Author: recordkicks

Calibro 35 New Single & Video “Jazz Carnival”

Cinematic combo Calibro 35 unleashes a ferocious version of “Jazz Carnival” (Azymuth’s cover). “Jazz Carnival” is the third single from their upcoming new album “Exploration” due June 06. Watch the ‘studio session’ video of the song.

Italian cinematic funk legends Calibro 35 unleash the new single “Jazz Carnival”, a cover of Brazilian legendary jazz-funk trio Azymuth from 1979. Calibro’s version – a furious and fuzzy jazz-funk stormer – is out now on digital platforms. “Jazz Carnival” is the third extract from Calibro 35’s forthcoming new album “Exploration”, due June 06 via independent Milan-based label Record Kicks.

PRE-ORDER ALBUM (LP/CD): HERE
PURCHASE 45 VINYL: HERE

“Sometimes music changes its meaning depending on where it is listened to. This is clear when we consider how this Brazilian jazz-funk song managed to cross the ocean and hit the charts in England in 1980 while it became very popular in Italy for being used as the theme song for Rai 2’s Tv program “Mixer”. It’s a song with a memorable theme and a groove that leaves no room to breathe, one of those songs where, before playing it, you tell yourself: ‘see you at the end!’” explain Calibro 35.

“Jazz Carnival” comes with a video directed by Giacomo Citro showing Calibro 35 recording the track at Sound Workshop, Piero Umiliani’s historic recording studio in Rome. The video also reveals the spirit behind the creation of the new album, which could be summarized in three key points: thirst for exploration, fun and Calibro’s musicianship.

Seun Kuti feat. Kamasi Washington

Seun Kuti shares “Move (Keep Moving Version)” feat. Kamasi Washington taken from “Heavier Yet Deluxe Edition” out May 28 via Record Kicks and featuring De La Soul’s Pos, Adi Oasis and announces the European tour.
 

Seun Kuti & Kamasi Washington


Afrobeat royalty Seun Kuti joins forces with jazz icon Kamasi Washington to share “Move (Keep Moving Version)” via Record Kicks. Listen here. The track is a reimagination off his critically acclaimed, Lenny Kravitz-produced, album “Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)”. This new version is part of the album’s deluxe edition to be released next month on May 28, with additional features from De La Soul’s Pos, Adi Oasis and more. Coming off two knockout performances at this year’s Coachella, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 have just announced the “Heavier Yet Deluxe Tour”, a new set of spring/summer European shows including the UK, Portugal, Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Poland, North Macedonia and Germany. All dates and tickets here.


The Kuti and Washington collaboration is a powerful melding of Afrobeat and spiritual jazz—a meeting of minds and movements where both artists, known for their social commentary, come together with purpose. Washington’s sax amplifies Kuti’s lyrical urgency, creating a transcendent rhythmic call to action that overwhelms the senses with revolutionary positivity from every angle.
 
Saxophone giant Kamasi Washington is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader born and raised in Los Angeles. His four bodies of work to date— “The Epic”; “Harmony of Difference”; “Heaven and Earth”, and “Fearless Movement” —are among the most acclaimed of this century. In 2020, Washington scored the Michelle Obama documentary “Becoming”, earning Emmy and Grammy nominations for his work. Also in 2020, Washington co-founded the supergroup Dinner Party with longtime friends and collaborators Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, and 9th Wonder—their EP “Dinner Party (Dessert)” was subsequently nominated for a Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album. In 2021, he contributed a cover of Metallica’s “My Friend of Misery” to the band’s “Metallica Blacklist” covers project. Washington has toured the world, collaborated and shared stages with Kendrick Lamar, Florence + the Machine, Herbie Hancock, and many more.
 
Seun Kuti is the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He has spent most of his life preserving and extending his father’s political and musical legacy as the leader of Fela’s former band Egypt 80. As a developing saxophonist and percussionist, he entered the formal ranks of the band before he was 12. In 1997 when Fela passed, in fulfilment of his father’s wishes, Seun assumed the mantle as head of Egypt 80 and he has run it ever since. During his career, Seun Kuti released 5 albums with Egypt 80 and collaborated with many great artists such as MC extraordinaire Black Thought, Janelle Monae, Talib Kweli, MadLib and Damian Marley. His latest album is Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head), praised by critics as “his greatest and most powerful yet.”

Calibro 35 New Single & Video “Discomania”

Cinematic combo Calibro 35 unleashes afro-disco stormer “Discomania”, the second single from the new album “Exploration” due June 6. The single’s release is accompanied by a video filmed in legendary Piero Umiliani’s studio.

Italian cinematic funk legends Calibro 35 pay homage to “Il Maestro” Piero Umiliani with an incendiary Afrobeat version of his 1978 cosmic-disco single “Discomania”, out today, April 2,on all digital platforms. “Discomania” is the second extract from their new album “Exploration”, to be released worldwide on June 6 via independent label Record Kicks and now available for pre-order HERE.

A true icon of the world of soundtracks, Piero Umiliani has enchanted several generations of listeners. Worldwide famous for his “Mah-Nà Mah-Nà” single made popular by The Muppets, Umiliani wrote more than 150 soundtracks and, alongside Ennio Morricone, helped create the now iconic golden age of Italian film soundtracks of the 1960s and ’70s. “Discomania” has a legendary status amongst Italians for being the closing theme song of iconic TV football program “90° Minuto” in the 1980s.

“There are tracks that we stumble upon almost by chance but that remain unforgettable and become a part of who we are” says Calibro 35. “Discomania – which was the theme song of 90° Minuto when we were kids – is definitely one of those tracks”.

“Discomania” comes with a video of Calibro 35 recording the track at Sound Workshop, Piero Umiliani’s historic recording studio in Rome. The video also reveals the spirit behind the creation of the new album, which could be summarized in three key points: thirst for exploration, fun and Calibro’s musicianship.

“We have always loved Umiliani and since a few years we’ve become almost like a family with his daughters Alessandra and Elisabetta, who recently rebuilt the Sound Workshop in Rome, which was their father’s studio, where many of the soundtracks we love were born. With Discomania, Umiliani, behind an apparent simplicity, gave us such a memorable theme. You can take it, decline it in other ways but the song follows you and always remains incisive and powerful. While we were working on our ‘Calibro version’, we decided to distance ourselves from the original, taking it into an Afrobeat territory”.

Seun Kuti feat. Pos of De La Soul

Seun Kuti shares “Stand Well Well (Grand Stand Version)” feat. Pos of De La Soul, taken from the forthcoming “Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) Deluxe Edition”, out May 28 via Record Kicks featuring Kamasi Washington, Alborosie, and Adi Oasis.

Afrobeat royalty Seun Kuti teams up with the legendary Pos of hip-hop icons De La Soul to share “Stand Well Well (Grand Stand Version),” released via Record Kicks. The track is taken from his critically acclaimed, Lenny Kravitz-produced, album “Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)”.Here, the song is reimagined with the distinctive lyrical prowess of Pos, who adds a fresh and vibrant dimension to one of the most captivating tunes from the album. This new version of “Stand Well Well” is part of the deluxe edition of “Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)”, set for release on May 28 featuring additional reworks by Kamasi Washington, Alborosie, and Adi Oasis.

“Seun is a powerful soul and it’s inspirational being around him whenever I have been,” Pos says about getting to collaborate on the track. He continues, “The song for me means to stand well rooted in agreeableness. Standing well rooted against the whirlwind of misery dressed up as entertainment online, as well as its powerful elixir of self doubting. Standing focused to not fall for the trap of redundancy that being on social media can present.”

Kelvin “Pos” Mercer is one third of hip hop legendary group De La Soul.  Hailing from Long Island, New York, they are pioneers of the conscious hip-hop movement and known for their innovative blend of jazz, funk, and soul, along with their intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics. After delivering their seminal debut “3 Feet High and Rising” in 1989 with the production genius of Prince Paul, the New York City-bred trio went on to further impact Hip Hop culture with eight more groundbreaking albums.  As influential figures in hip-hop, De La Soul have consistently pushed creative boundaries, earning a Grammy Award and critical acclaim for their unique style and socially conscious messaging. Pos’ contribution to “Stand Well Well” brings a fresh perspective and undeniable hip-hop energy, making this collaboration a true meeting of musical minds.

Calibro 35 new album “Exploration” and new single “Reptile Strut”

Pre-order the new album HERE

Legendary Milanese combo Calibro 35 drop their new single “Reptile Strut” on digital platforms and announce a new studio album titled “Exploration,” to be released worldwide on June 6. Pre-order the new album HERE The band’s ninth studio album marks the return to independent label Record Kicks after the release of their previous record, “Nouvelles Aventures”, in 2023 on Universal Music.

The first extract “Reptile Strut” is an instrumental breakbeat-heavy jazz-funk number with fuzzy guitars, crunchy drums and dreamy grooves. The song’s title refers to the green lizard, which is a symbol of regeneration and rebirth, of versatility and introspection.

“The green lizard is a reptile that is very fast in its movements, has a snappy gait and often changes pace. This is why it is difficult to capture. “Reptile Strut” starts from these premises. It has a precise DNA, namely a great passion for groove but also an insatiable desire to experiment that determines a continuous change of pace, styles and musical worlds that can’t be captured in the definition of a genre.” This is how Calibro 35 introduce their new single, which serves as just a first glance of the highly anticipated new album “Exploration,” enough to draw the attention of jazz-funk heads out there.

“In recent times we have ingested a large amount of music. Thanks to the production of soundtracks, we have used our instruments to tell specific stories and to set to music specific images. But we’ve also played at various festivals where we shared the stage with acts such as Makaya McCraven, Headhunters, Roy Ayers or Robert Glasper and we confronted ourselves with the very wide world that is the world of jazz. We kept our ears open, ‘tasted’ everything we could, trying to understand what we could insert into our musical language” add Calibro 35.

“Reptile Strut” is the perfect introduction to the new album “Exploration”, which represents an ideal development of the previous EP “Jazzploitation”, released in October 2024. In the new full length, Calibro 35 switch from the “exploitation” and “robbery” carried out in the ‘jazz bank’ of the previous EP, to the tension towards the exploration of further horizons. The band turns that inspiration and jazz attitude towards a multiplicity of possible new landings.

Calibro 35 new single “Reptile Strut” taken from the new album “Exploration”

Tanika Charles announces new album & drops new single!

Pre-order the new album “Reasons To Stay” and listen to the new single “Don’t Like You Anymore” here: https://recordkicks.lnk.to/TanikaCharles

Toronto soul star Tanika Charles announces the new album “Reasons To Stay” and drops the first single “Don’t Like You Anymore”, out now on digital platforms. Album pre-orders available starting from today.

Two-time Juno awards nominated and three-time Polaris Prize listed, Canadian soul star Tanika Charles announces the new album“Reasons To Stay,” set to drop on May 16th, 2025 via independent soul specialist label Record Kicks. Album pre-orders are available starting from today at the following link: https://recordkicks.lnk.to/TanikaCharles The album is anticipated by lead single “Don’t Like You Anymore,” out today, February 5th, on all digital platforms and on March 21st on limited edition clear 45 vinyl. With her fourth studio album, “Reasons To Stay,” Tanika Charles writes a series of intimate letters to members of her family, to herself and to the listener.

Produced by Scott McCannell and mixed by Monophonics’ frontman Kelly Finnigan, in the first single “Don’t Like You Anymore,” Tanika reflects on her relationship with her mother. “I know this will come across harsh to some, but this is an honest reflection of my relationship with my mother. She was unavailable emotionally for me my entire upbringing, and eventually unavailable physically too. I’ve tried to understand. I’ve tried to make amends. I’ve tried to assist where I can. But the emotional labour is too heavy, and the reciprocation is too faint to justify trying anymore. I love you, but…”

The result is a fiery and heartfelt mid-tempo gospel-funk stormer, with boom-bap-smacked drums and chunky basslines that create an infectious groove that is sure to grab attention—not only from fans of soul but also from hip-hop and rap artists who will see its sample-ready potential. 

Two-time Juno Awards R&B/Soul Recording of the Year nominee and three-time Polaris Music Prize long-list nominee Tanika Charles in synonymous with Canadian Soul music. She has embraced the sound and aesthetic of the genre without gimmick, whilst pushing the boundaries of what audiences can expect. Her music revels in honesty and attitude, her live show is high energy and endearing, and she continues to organically win audiences over one album, one stream, and one encore at a time. Her previous studio albums – “Soul Run” (2017), “The Gumption” (2019), and “Papillon De Nuit” (2022) – have propelled her to international acclaim. Extensive touring across North America and Europe has further solidified her reputation, with standout performances at festivals such as Trans Musicales in France, Fusion Festival in Germany, Mostly Funk & Soul Festival and Jazz Festival in the UK, Holy Groove Festival in Switzerland, and Canarias Jazz Festival in Spain. She has also shared the stage Estelle, Mayer Hawthorne, Haitus Kayote, Lauryn Hill, Bedouin Soundclash and Macy Gray. Tanika’s meteoric rise and undeniable artistry have been widely championed by outlets such as KCRW, KEXP, BBC6 Music, Exclaim!, CBC Music, Uncut Mag, PopMatters and Albumism further solidifying her position as a global soul sensation.

Gaudi & Don Letts Remix of Seun Kuti’s ‘Dey’ feat. Damian Marley Out Now!

Music collaboration of the year, Seun Kuti feat. Damian Marley’s single ‘Dey’ gets a dub remix by Gaudi & Don Letts. Listen here: https://recordkicks.lnk.to/DeyRemix

In June 2024 the release of ‘Dey’ feat. Damian Marley, the first single taken from Seun Kuti & Egypt 80’s new album ‘Heavier Yet’ (Lays The Crownless Head)’, marked an historic moment for African unity and art: the Kuti and Marley families collaborating for the first time ever on a record. The highly anticipated cooperation created a bridge between Nigeria and Jamaica and captivated audiences worldwide. Now Record Kicks unleashes ‘Dey (Gaudi & Don Letts remix)’, an infectious “dub remake” of the track courtesy of production duo Gaudi & Don Letts that is now available on all digital platforms.

Grammy nominated dub producer and solo artist Gaudi, whose distinctive work for artists including Steel Pulse, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, The Orb, Horace Andy, Groove Armada, Tricky to name but a few, has topped charts around the world. Iconic Grammy Award winning film director, musician and radio broadcaster Don Letts‘ career includes work with The Clash, founding Big Audio Dynamite, introducing reggae to the punk generation and directing countless award-winning videos. Gaudi & Don Letts started work as a production duo shortly after they came together to create ‘Outta Sync’, Don’s first solo album produced by Gaudi. The pair were musically bonded by the project and in its wake have gone on to produce/remix for UB40, Caravan Palace, EMF, Dub Pistols, Johnny Clarke, Kid Loco, Inner Circle, Terry Hall, Meatraffle and now, in a seemingly unexpected but inspired move, Seun Kuti feat. Damian Marley.

Sometimes two plus two makes more than four, Gaudi & Don Letts deliver a killer beat n’ bass heavy floor-filler!

Michelle David & The True-Tones, the Summer dates !!

Following a successful set of dates during the first half of the year, Michelle David & The True-tones announce they’ll continue their BROTHERS & SISTERS TOUR with new shows throughout the summer. Check out all the confirmed dates below and get your tickets. New album ‘Brothers & Sisters’ out now, check it out here.

Aug 9th – D Bamberg – Jazz and Blues festival
Aug 10th – B Sint-Truiden – Zomeravonden
Aug 11th – NL Den Bosch – Boulevard festival
Aug 13th – NL Vlieland – Stortemelk
Aug 17th – D Munster – Munster mittendrin
Aug 18th – D Worms – Jazz & Joy Festival
Aug 23rd – NL Valkenburg – Openluchttheater
Aug 24th – NL Aartswoud – Jazzkerk
Aug 31st – D Cologne – Summer Chill Out Festival
Sep 7th – NL Hoorn – Hoornse Havenconcerten
Sep 13th – IT Terni – Umbria Jazz
Sep 14th – IT Terni – Umbria Jazz
Sep 15th – IT Terni – Umbria Jazz
Sep 21st – F La Reunion

Summer Blow Out SALE is ON!

NOW IT’S THE TIME! SUMMER BLOW OUT SALE IS ON! A selection of essential LPs, 45s and CDs from your favourite Milan Indie Soul label at a super discounted price, including the last dozen of copies of your 20th Anniversary Boxset (check it out HERE). Now it’s the time to fill your RK collection. Remember to combine orders to save money on shipping.

Browse all titles on sale HERE
Last copies of Record Kicks 20th Boxset HERE
Check all Discounted 45s HERE
Check all Discounted CDs HERE
Check out all Funk45 Packs (4×2) HERE
Check out all CD Packs (3×1) HERE

Have a nice groovy Summer !

Please welcome legendary SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80

As long-time fans of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and the whole Kuti family, we’re honoured to announce that SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 have joined Record Kicks’ roster. The new album by SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 produced by Fela’s original engineer SODI MARCISZEWER and none other than Grammy-winning rock icon LENNY KRAVITZ will be available on Record Kicks worldwide next October 4th. More to be revealed soon so keep an eye here.

Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, has been a powerful force in the Afrobeat scene, continuing his father’s legacy while forging his own path. This new album promises to be a milestone in the genre.

Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 will also embark on a North American Tour beginning June 8. Tickets for the tour are available for purchase through https://linktr.ee/seunkutitour

For now, you can watch the video of Seun, Lenny and Sodi at Question de Son studio in Paris working on the new album HERE and don’t forget to follow Seun Kuti on social media and DSPs. Stay tuned for more Groundbreaking Announcements! #GetTheSax

FOLLOW SEUN KUTI ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND DSPS TO STAY UPDATED ON NEW RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS HERE

Michelle David & The True-tones on Tour in Europe!

Pre-order the new album “Brothers & Sisters“ (out on April 5th) HERE

Following the signing to Milan-based label Record Kicks, the announcement of their upcoming new album “Brothers & Sisters” to be published next April 5th and the release of the first infectious single and title track, Dutch combo Michelle David & The True-tones announce a first run of European dates throughout the next months to present the new record. The newly announced dates include shows in the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany and Austria. Below is a list of the European dates so far (more to be announced):

March 31st – NL, Schijndel – Paaspop (XL)
April 6th – FR, La Clusaz – Radio Meuh Festival
April 7th – CH, Zurich – Moods
April 13th – NL, Groningen – Oosterpoort
April 20th – NL, Radio2 – Spijkers met Koppen
April 24th – BE, Brugge – Cactus Club
April 25th – BE, Brussels – AB Club
April 26th – NL, Nijmegen – Doornroosje
April 27th – DE, Minden – Jazzclub
April 28th – DE, Frankfurt – Brotfabrik
April 29th – DE, Berlin – Privat Club
May 1st – BE, Lessines – Roots and Roses
May 2nd – DE, Gronau – Jazzfest (XL)
May 25th – NL, Leeuwarden – Frysk Straat (XL)
June 7th – ES, Barcelona – Jamboree
June 8th – ES, Segovia – Afroblue Festival
June 11th – FR, Paris – Cabaret Sauvage
June 14th – FR, Chatelleraut (86) – Fest Jazzelleraut
June 21st – AT, Neukirchen – Club of Newchurch
June 27th – Gibraltar
June 29th – NL, Tilburg – Spoorpark Live (XL)
June 30th – DE, Larz – Fusion Festival (XL)

The awaited new record “Brothers & Sisters” has been anticipated by the first single and title track, which is currently on rotation on stations such as BBC 6 (UK), NPO 2 (NL), Radio FIP (FR), NPO Soul & Jazz (NL) and many more. Pre-order the new album “Brothers & Sisters“ (out on April 5th) HERE

New signing! Michelle David & The True-tones

With great delight, Record Kicks announces the signing of US/Dutch award-winning gospel-soul masters Michelle David & The True-tones. The band’s brand-new album “Brothers & Sisters” is set for release next April 5th on LP, CD and digital format and it is now available for pre-order on recordkicks.com and Bandcamp.  The awaited album follows their 2022 full length “Truth & Soul”, which was named one of the Albums of the Year at BBC Radio 6. Raised in New York in a church, Michelle David started singing at the age of four and joined her first group, The Mission of Love, when she was five. During her career, she toured the world with Broadway musical “Mama”, contributed to successful theatre shows such as “The Sound of Motown”, “Glory of Gospel” and “Mahalia” and recorded for artists such as Diana Ross and Michael Bolton. This all happened before releasing six critically acclaimed gospel-infused albums with the True-tones.  
 
Michelle David & The True-tones know how to put on a glowing evening of classic soul. With their upbeat grooves, powerful vocals, and strong melodies, they have already conquered many festivals and numerous clubs. Having played renowned Dutch festivals such as Pinkpop and North Sea Jazz, the band toured from Spain to Scandinavia, leaving memorable impressions wherever they play; delivering an unforgettable live experience. In addition, the band’s discography has also been praised; receiving an Edison nomination (the Dutch Grammy) for “The Gospel Session” in 2019, while their previous record “Truth & Soul” was named Album of the Month on FIP radio in France and Album of the Year at Craig Charles’ BBC Radio 6 Music show. The group did numerous radio and TV performances and were even invited to play their music on the biggest National TV show during the Winter Olympics 2022.
 
Michelle David (vocals), Paul Willemsen (guitar, bass guitar), Onno Smit (guitar, bass guitar) and Bas Bouma (drums) form a tight-knit unit that seamlessly blends their individual talents, resulting in the distinctive sound that defines Michelle David & the True-tones. The band’s instrumentation, characterized by groovy basslines, and Michelle David‘s powerhouse vocals, becomes a vibrant tapestry in the studio setting. The prominent addition of horns on the album brings a dynamic dimension to the songs, adding layers of texture and a sense of grandeur to the band’s already compelling sound. The meticulous production work – by Paul Willemsen and Onno Smit – ensures that every nuance of their live sound is captured.
 
With “Brothers & Sisters“ Michelle David & the True-tones have crafted a sonic journey which resonates with the soulful spirit of their live shows, inviting audiences to groove along with them on a timeless musical voyage.

Tanika Charles announces the new live EP “The Union Sessions”

Pre-save/Pre-order HERE

Following the release of her third studio album “Papillon de Nuit” in 2022, Canadian soulstress Tanika Charles announces a new live in studio EP called “The Union Sessions”, to be released next July 26th on digital platforms. Recorded live at Union Sound studio in Toronto, the EP comprises a total of five tracks: four of these appeared originally on Tanika’s first EP “What? What! What?!” from 2010, while “Since You Been Gone” was on her second album “The Gumption” from 2019.

Tanika Charles has earned her stripes as a performing artist. Through nearly a decade of headlining she has revealed a knack for engaging her audiences, weaving storytelling, and building dynamism into every measure of her time on stage. As such, much of her catalogue of songs have evolved from their original studio recordings in a number of creative and interesting ways. This is especially true for some of her earliest works, originally constructed over instrumental beds more reminiscent of looped hip-hop beats. “The Union Sessions” is a freeze frame of evolution, bringing the tour-tested versions of these songs into a studio setting.

Far from a dusting off of old material, these songs have remained staples of Tanika’s live show. The writing harkens to a moment of innocence from a nascent songstress, eager for expression, but yet to carve a particular path. But with these new recordings that journey and realization is laid bare, serving a gumbo of influence and experience. Having now been played hundreds of times, these songs are the product of constant iteration, unlikely to remain as is for very long.

Calibro 35 announce the new album “Nouvelles Aventures”

Italian cinematic band Calibro 35 announces the release of the new album NOUVELLES AVENTURES, available abroad next June 30th on a Record Kicks-exclusive limited edition crystal vinyl.

Italian cult cinematic combo Calibro 35 are back with their new studio album NOUVELLES AVENTURES. Abroad, it will be available on June 30th on a limited edition crystal clear vinyl distributed exclusively via Record Kicks. Pre-orders are now open on the SHOP.

After last year’s Scacco Al Maestro, the 2 tribute-albums dedicated to “il maestro” Ennio Morricone, followed by the Calibro 35 plays Morricone tour and the releasing of the ost of TV drama series Blanca, Calibro 35 are back with NOUVELLES AVENTURES, a new studio album of original material. NOUVELLES AVENTURES was recorded in Naples at Auditorium Novecento, the former Phonotype Records, one of the most legendary and fascinating Italian recording studios. The new LP sees the group making full use of their knowledge and resources, refined and enriched over the years, back to making “Calibro’s music”: a unique mix of funk, progressive rock, alternative jazz and wide-spectrum cinematic music the public has known them for in fifteen years of career.

“After a couple of intense and stimulating years playing Morricone and writing music for the TV drama Blanca”, Calibro 35 recounted, “we had a great desire to make new inspired music. To do so, we left home and we shut ourselves up in the splendid space-time capsule that is the Auditorium Novecento studio. The result is a series of musical voyages in which we concentrated all our artistic and human experiences. As in Verne’s imaginary and extraordinary journeys, we explored distant places where we had never been before. We then happened to return to more familiar shores and discover them with new eyes without realizing it. We borrowed the title NOUVELLES AVENTURES from György Ligeti, precisely because after fifteen years of building ourselves, we are ready for new adventures”.

The Sextones announce the New LP produced by Kelly Finnigan

Produced by Kelly Finnigan of the Monophonics, The Sextones announce the new album “Love Can’t Be Borrowed” out September 29. Preorder on the shop. The first single “Better Late Than Never” which is out now.
 
The intrepid soul crusaders from Nevada’s high desert, The Sextones announce “Love Can’t Be Borrowed”, their new album produced by Kelly Finnigan (Monophonics) to be released on September 29th via Milan heavy-weight soul label Record Kicks. Pre-orders are now available on recordkicks.com. The first single “Better Late Than Never”, a life-affirming soul anthem, is out now on all digital platforms. This sweet slice of soul was quietly crafted with the magic touch of producer and Monophonics frontman, Kelly Finnigan. The group’s honest performance is adorned with sweeping strings bringing to mind early Delfonics. A yearning vocal and memorable melody will swell your heart with its lush sound.

Alexis Evans Yours Truly Tour

Alexis Evans on TOUR! Bordeaux’s Soulboy will be playing a series of shows throughout France, Spain and Belgium to promote the new Album “Your Truly“. Check out all tour dates below, more TBA! Like fine Red Wine, “Soulboy” Alexis Evans gets better with Age. The best evidence of this is the third studio album “Yours Truly” released on February 3rd and produced and mixed by Louis-Marin Renaud (Lou Doillon, Theo Lawrence, Desmond Myers), that sees the light 4 years after his previous LP “I’ve Come A Long Way“, defined “Soul album of The Year” by Rolling Stone France. Listen to the new album “Yours Truly” HERE

ALXIS EVANS YOURS TRULY TOUR:

March 3rd – Boite A Musiques Wattrelos, FR
March 4th – Hnita Jazz Club Heist op den Berg, BE
March 30th – Jazz Club Etoile Paris Paris, FR
March 31st – Krakatoa Bordeaux Merignac, FR
April 26th – Sala Clamores Madrid, ES
April 27th – Loco Club Valencia, ES
April 28th – Rock & Blues Café Saragoza, ES
April 29th – Ebroclub Miranda de Ebro, ES
May 20th – Ampli Billère Billère, FR
June 17th – Bethune, FR
July 13th – Festival Relache By Allez Les Filles Bordeaux, FR
July 18th – Chatelaillon, FR
August 12th – Mezos Got Soul Mézos, FR
October 6th – Rhino Jazz St Etienne, FR
October 14th – Jazz en Sol Emoi St Python, FR
… more TBA!

20th ANNIVERSARY (2003 – 2023)

We celebrate our 20th Anniversary with a year-long slate of new releases and reissues.

2023 is a special year for Record Kicks: the Milan-based label turns 20 years old. Set up in 2003, side by side with similar imprints like Daptone, Big Crown or Colemine Records and under its motto “The explosive sound from Today’s scene“, the independent record label and music publishing Record Kicks has proudly been representing the contemporary funk & soul scene from day one.

Its catalogue has been source of inspiration to many Rap superstars that sampled Record Kicks releases during the years. Starting with Jay-Z, thanks to whom the label received a Grammy nomination in 2017 for his use of Hannah Williams & The Affirmations‘ “Late Nights And Heartbreak” as backdrop for his “4:44” album title-track, and proceeding with Dr Dre, who sampled “I consigliori” by Calibro 35 on the track “One Shot One Kill feat Snoop Dogg” on his famed “Compton” album, and Tyler the Creator, who sampled Hannah Williams on his single “Ziplog”.

Many are the albums that made the label’s history in the past twenty years. Beginning with the above-mentioned “Late Nights and Heartbreak” (2016) and “50 Foot Woman” (2019) from British “soul hurricane” Hannah Williams & The Affirmations, and continuing with “Traitors” (2013), “S.P.A.C.E.” (2015) and “Decade” (2018) from Calibro 35, which brought the Milan band the reputation of masters of the “cinematic funk” scene. Other essential RK albums are “Soul Run”  (2017) and “The Gumption” (2019) from Canadian R&B artist Tanika Charles, thanks to which she received two nominations at the Juno Awards (the Canadian Grammys) and competed with The Weeknd for best R&B/Soul album of the year. Key self-titled debut albums were “Baby Charles” from 2008, which was praised by Pitchfork and Mojo Magazine together with Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators “Keep Reaching Up” on Timmion Records as the albums that defined the new European funk scene of the 2000s, and “The Diplomats Of Solid Sound feat. The Diplomettes” from 2009, which featured in the soundtrack of Hollywood blockbuster movie “50/50” with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and which now counts over 30 million plays on Spotify. Equally important releases are “Return Of The Iron Monkey” (2008) by Steve White’s (Style Council) and Damon Minchella’s (Ocean Colour Scene) “Trio Valore” soul jazz project, “Take From Me” (2012) by Australian funkateers Dojo Cuts, “Tribute To My Soul Sisters” (2017) by James Brown’s original soul diva Martha High with Japanese Osaka Monaurail or the 12 volumes of the iconic “SoulShaker” and “Let’s Boogaloo” compilations.

To celebrate this great achievement, Record Kicks has prepared a year-long slate of new releases and reissues. The first one to be announced was a limited edition “Rare Box Set” that retraces the story of these past 20 years and which contains 20 tracks on 10 “rare” 45 vinyl and in digital format, out on March 03. Following the boxset in the RK schedule is the reissue of a 15th Anniversary Edition of Baby Charles’ iconic deep funk debut album on LP and digital deluxe edition with bonus tracks on March 17, while on March 31, in collaboration with Universal Music, “The Album”, the landmark debut effort from Giuliano Palma and The Bluebeaters, a band that RK has re-launched in 2015 with the release of “Everybody Knows, will receive a first-ever vinyl release. Record Kicks has also just released “Yours Truly”, the third album by anglo-french “enfant prodige of Soul” Alexis Evans on February 03, and has just announced the new signing of US Indie Soul combo The Sextones, produced by Kelly Finnigan of The Monophonics. In the making are also the new albums by Hannah Williams & The Affirmations and by The Diasonics, produced by Henry Jenkins (Surprise Chef, Karate Boogaloo). Nicolò Pozzoli, Record Kicks founder and A&R shares: “For a boutique label like ours to have managed to reach this milestone is almost incredible. We’re grateful to still be doing what we love and we have to thank all the artists, producers, distributors, record shops, PRs, djs and fans for this. The list is long and so is our love”. Happy 20th Anniversary Record Kicks. 

New addition to the RK roster: Welcome to The Sextones

Record Kicks is proud to present American Soul combo The Sextones, the new addition to the RK roster.

Please give a warm welcome to The Sextones, the new addition to the RK roster and family! Get ready to dive into their analog Soul straight from the High Desert of Reno, Nevada. Stay tuned, more news coming very soon…

Founded in 2015, The Sextones built a devoted following across the West Coast before breaking out internationally with their self-released 2017 debut album Moonlight Vision, quickly finding success in Japan via P-Vine Records. Soon after, the band began touring extensively across the U.S. and Europe, quickly garnering international attention from soul music fans, record collectors, and critics alike. A steady roster of national performances cemented their reputation as critical and festival favorites, with Okayplayer describing Moonlight Vision as “The result of a Herculean work ethic, mixed with a Sherlock Holmes-esque attention to detail and a nuance that can be appreciated by true music lovers.” Live For Live Music detailed their musical approach, writing: “By taking classic sounds, modernizing them, and making them their own, the Sextones have carved out a niche for themselves within the modern funk and soul movement, and we are digging every second of it.” And PopDust praised the group as “A glowing reminder of where music came from, and serves as a vehicle to light a fire under a new generation.”

Friends since childhood, The Sextones are Mark Sexton (guitar, vocals), Alexander Korostinsky (bass), Daniel Weiss (drums), and Christopher Sexton (piano). Having known each other for so long, their musical chemistry is effortless and forms the foundation of the band’s longevity and creative workflow. Despite their bond, each member has been able to channel their creativity into other acclaimed groups—Alexander and Mark with their cinematic-soul project Whatitdo Archive Group and Daniel’s recent engagement in the soul/jazz group Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio. Flexing their creative muscle individually has only strengthened The Sextones’ collective songwriting ability and heralds their formidable return to the spotlight with their upcoming record. With their recent signing to heavy-weight soul label, Record Kicks, the self-made heroes of soul begin a new chapter in their sonic journey, ready to scale new heights and plumb deep emotional depths in service of the genre they love.

Alexis Evans: the Official Video for “Mr Right on Time”

RKX087 ALEXIS EVANS “Your Truly” (LP, CD, DIGI) Release Date: 03 Feb 2023
Pre-order on our Webshop | Preorder or Bandcamp.

“Mr Right on Time” is the first single from “Yours Truly”, the much-awaited upcoming new album by Bordeaux-based singer-songwriter Alexis Evans and it’s out now on all digital platforms. Watch the official music video, set in Paris and directed by Jeremy Trellu. The new album is set for release on February 3rd, 2023 on LP, CD and digital via Milan-based label Record Kicks. Produced and mixed by Louis-Marin Renaud (Lou Doillon, Theo Lawrence, Desmond Myers), “Yours Truly” is the artist’s third studio album and it sees the light 4 years after his previous LP “I’ve Come A Long Way”, defined “Soul album of The Year” by Rolling Stone France. “Yours Truly” consists of 12 brilliantly soulful cuts that take direct inspiration from 60’s & 70’s classic soul music adding a sound that is firmly rooted in the new millennium.

About the single, Alexis explains: “Love may be the number one subject in soul music and clearly has its place of honor in a few songs of the album, including “Mister right on time”, which tends to deal with it in a more cynical but poetic way. I wrote this song while doing a track with samples of some Barry White’s drum parts”.

“Yours Truly” was recorded between Bordeaux and Nantes during 2021 and beginning of 2022. The idea behind the new album was to find a unique sound, mixing classic 60’s & 70’s soul music with more contemporary influences such as hip hop beats, jazz, reggae, and Caribbean sounds. To do that, Alexis paired up with producer Louis-Marin Renaud, known for his work with French-English singer, actress and model Lou Doillon and country-soul rising star Theo Lawrence, who took part in the arrangements and mixed the album.

RKX087 ALEXIS EVANS “Your Truly” (LP, CD, DIGI) Release Date: 03 Feb 2023
Pre-order on our Webshop | Preorder or Bandcamp.

Alexis Evans: the new album “Yours Truly”

Record Kicks presents “Yours Truly”, the new album by Bordeaux’s “Soulboy”, Mr. Alexis Evans.

RKX087 ALEXIS EVANS “Your Truly” (LP, CD, DIGI) Date: Feb 03 2023 Pre-order the CD and LP on our Webshop.

Like fine Red Wine, “Soulboy” Alexis Evans gets better with Age. The best evidence of this is his brand new album “Yours Truly”, set for release on February 3rd, 2023 on LP, CD and digital via Milan-based label Record Kicks. Watch the official teaser below. Produced and mixed by Louis-Marin Renaud (Lou Doillon, Theo Lawrence, Desmond Myers), “Yours Truly” is the third studio album by Bordeaux-based singer-songwriter Alexis Evans and sees the light 4 years after his previous LP “I’ve Come A Long Way”. “Yours Truly” consists of 12 brilliantly soulful cuts that take direct inspiration from 60’s & 70’s classic soul music adding a sound that is firmly rooted in the new millennium.
 
Alexis Evans, songwriter with a timeless style based in Bordeaux, France, found the love of music and learnt to play guitar thanks to his father, an English musician. His inspirations range from Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke to David Bowie. Mr. Evans has built a household name in the scene as the “enfant prodige of soul” consolidated his reputation with his long play “I’ve Come a Long Way”, released in 2019 on Record Kicks. Rolling Stone France described it as “The Soul album of the year”, while Blues & Soul Magazine and BBC 6 defined him as “One of the most exciting additions to the international Soul Scene”. Following the release of the album, Alexis toured in France and Europe extensively, stopped only in 2020 by the Pandemic. Thanks to the forced break, Alexis started to lay down the new album, and he’s now ready to present the fruit of his hard work: “Yours Truly”.

RKX087 ALEXIS EVANS “Your Truly” (LP, CD, DIGI) Date: Feb 03 2023 Pre-order the CD and LP on our Webshop.

Rare Vinyl Giveaway

#CONTEST In the coming weeks we’ll give away some rare vinyl on our Social (INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK and TWITTER) mostly long time sold out 45s, LPs and 12s and some cool test pressings/white labels too. The 1st is a copy of this Baby Charles Funk45 from 2007 with the explosive afrofunk cover of “I Bet You Look Good On Danfloor” from The Arctic Monkeys.

For a chance to win follow the instructions in the posts linked below. Participating on all social platforms (IG,TW and FB) is a BONUS (confidential)

FACEBOOK (@recordkicks):
facebook.com/recordkicks
TWITTER (@recordkicks):
twitter.com/recordkicks
INSTAGRAM (@recordkicks):
www.instagram.com/recordkicks

The 1st prize is a copy of Baby Charles‘ mega in-demand 45 from 2007. The Arctic Monkeys got afrofunk! The 45 has sold out in few weeks and it’s highly sought after from djs and record collectors since then. Winners will be announced here on Monday.

Thanks for the Support, good luck and keep on our INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK and TWITTER for more!

Artists & Friends on Tour!

The Summer’s over, but touring surely doesn’t stop! Check out all RK artists & Friends confirmed shows for the next months below. Don’t miss your chance to see Alexis Evans, Calibro 35, Osaka Monaurail, Tanika Charles and The Tibbs live!

ALEXIS EVANS
Nov 10th – Sala de conciertos de Zalaieta – Zalaieta, ES

CALIBRO 35
Oct 22nd – Teatro delle celebrazioni – Bologna, IT
Nov 18th – Teatro Lyrick – Assisi, IT
Nov 21st – Teatro Colosseo – Torino, IT
Nov 26th – Conservatorio Sala Verdi – Milano, IT

OSAKA MONAURAIL
Nov 22nd – Theaterstubchen – Kassel, DE
Nob 23rd – Bierhubeli – Bern, CH
Nov 24th – El amacen de Little Bobby – Santander, ES
Nov 25th – Sala Clamores –  Madrid, ES
Nov 26th – 16 Toneladas – Valencia, ES
Nov 27th – Centro Civico La Almozara – Zaragoza, ES
Nov 30th – 100 Club – London, UK
Dec 2nd – The English Theatre – Frankfurt, DE
Dec 3rd – La Halle Tropisme – Montpellier, FR
Dec 4th – La Halle Tropisme – Montpellier, FR

TANIKA CHARLES
Nov 19th – New Morning – Paris, FR
Nov 20th – Le Sax – Achères, FR
Jan 25th – Sid Williams Theatre – Courtenay, CA

THE TIBBS
Oct 22nd – Muziekgebouw – Eindhoven, NL

The new RK compilation: “Breaks and Beats Vol.2”

Record Kicks presents “Breaks and Beats Vol.2”: the new compilation made up of some of the hottest instrumental tracks of the RK catalogue.

Record Kicks is proud to present the new compilation “Breaks and Beats Vol.2”, available from Friday July 1st 2022 on all digital platforms. At Record Kicks we live for funky breaks and hot instrumentals, we have a reputation for that, with our catalogue being sampled by quite a few rap superstars such as Jay-Z, Tyler The Creator and Dr. Dre. With volume 2 of “Record Kicks Breaks and Beats”, the new instalment of our digital compilation series, we’ve dug again into our funky vaults to bring you a new selection of the some of hottest instrumental tracks of the catalogue. Expect 12 tracks full of exclusive killer breaks and infectious beats brought to you by the very best of our roster. Featuring The Diasonics, Calibro 35, Third Coast Kings, Hannah Williams & The Affirmations, Baby Charles, Tanika Charles and many more! 12 hard hitting instrumental tracks yet to be sampled, you dig it!?

Side by side with similar outfits like Daptone, Truth And Soul or Timmion, under its motto “The explosive sound from Today’s scene”, Milan-based independent label Record Kicks has been pitching the contemporary funk & soul scene since 2003. With over 200 releases under the belt, RK has released bands from all over the globe and earned the support of VIP fans such as Kenny Dope, Jamie Cullum, Craig Charles and, last but not least, Jay-Z, thanks to whom the label received a Grammy nomination for HOV‘s use of Hannah Williams‘ “Late Nights And Heartbreak” as backdrop for his “4:44” in 2018.

Alexander Korostinsky: the new single and debut 45 “Bones of God”

Alexander Korostinsky of Whatitdo Archive Group pays homage to Anatolian Rock Psychedelic Funk with his debut solo single “Bones of God”.

Record Kicks is pleased to announce the debut 45 by Alexander Korostinsky (of The Sextones & Whatitdo Archive Group), out on June 17th, 2022. The first extract is “Bones of God”, available on all digital platforms on June 3rd. Consumed by the dark arts of songcraft, recording, and producing, Korostinsky’s debut 45 offers both a deep appreciation to the fascinating world of Anatolian Psych-Rock and an intimate glimpse into his ascending journey as an ambitious artist. Having quickly picked up the Baglama saz, Korostinsky showcases his autodidactic abilities as both a bassist, guitarist, sitarist, percussionist and now an electric Baglama player on this first release.
 
The first single “Bones of God”, out on June 3rd, is a moody composition with its droning 12-string guitar, waves of electric sitar and dynamic drums all highlighted by his electric saz routed through a wah pedal. “‘Bones of God’ was the first song I wrote for this project and is a nod to the lost sounds of Arif Sag and company that I admire so much,” says Korostinsky. “I had been so consumed in creating soul, funk and soundtrack music for so long that my body begged for a new creative outlet. I am a record collector before anything else and I knew that exploring the sounds of some of my favorite records would scratch that itch.”
 
The Reno born-and-raised musician first came into the international spotlight as the bassist and co-writer for soul group The Sextones and then again with his work leading the Whatitdo Archive Group into crate-digging Valhalla with their recent release of “The Black Stone Affair”.
 
Having worked with almost every prominent Reno musician over the last 20 years, Korostinsky finally arrives as a fully-formed solo artist worth taking note of.

Meticulously recorded and produced entirely on a Tascam 388 by Korostinsky at his own Archive Group Studios, this 45 is imbued with Korostinsky’s love of analog recording production and vintage records. One listen and you’ll notice that these songs are begging to be sampled and are a must have for any serious crate-digger. If this first release is any indication of what we can expect from him in the future, then we are excited to see where he takes us next.

The new RK compilation: “Funk Soul Sisters Vol.2”

Record Kicks presents “Funk Soul Sisters Vol.2”: the new compilation of hot funk & soul tracks by the RK Soul Queens, out on May 27th 2022 on all digital platforms.

Record Kicks is proud to present the new compilation “Funk Soul Sisters Vol.2”, which is available from May 27th 2022 on all digital platforms. With this second instalment of the “Funk Soul Sisters” collection, the Milan-based label keeps on digging through its catalogue to bring you a new selection of hot funk & soul tracks from our beloved Soul Queens. The 10 tracks include some classics and some obscure material from the very best of the label’s roster, including, to name a few: Dojo Cuts, Baby Charles, James Brown‘s original soul diva Martha High supported by Osaka Monaurail, Hannah Williams, Tanika Charles, Marta Ren and Gizelle Smith.
 
Side by side with similar outfits like Daptone, Truth And Soul or Timmion, under its motto “The explosive sound from Today’s scene”, Milan-based independent label Record Kicks has been pitching the contemporary funk & soul scene since 2003. With over 200 releases under the belt, RK has released bands from all over the globe and earned the support of VIP fans such as Kenny Dope, Jamie Cullum, Craig Charles and, last but not least, Jay-Z, thanks to whom the label received a Grammy nomination for HOV‘s use of Hannah Williams‘ “Late Nights And Heartbreak” as backdrop for his “4:44” in 2018.

Whatitdo Archive Group: the new live EP

Whatitdo Archive Group is back with “Live At: Archive Group Studios”, the new EP consisting of three exclusive live performances and available on May 6th 2022 on all digital platforms.

Directly on the heels of their critically-acclaimed 2021 debut LP, “The Black Stone Affair”, Whatitdo Archive Group is back serving up three exclusive live performances recorded directly to tape at their Reno, NV studio. The EP will be available on May 6th 2022 on all digital platforms.
 
Known formally as a recording collective, this secretive west-coast based team allows us a rare glimpse into a thrilling, live take on their now cult-classic record. Oftentimes, studio projects are not easily replicated in a live environment, but that’s not the case with this flawless three song performance. Featuring the primary W.A.G. rhythm section of Alexander Korostinsky (bass), Mark Sexton (guitar), Aaron Chiazza (drums) and Christopher Sexton (keyboards) we are introduced to their small but ferocious horn section, percussionist and auxiliary keyboardist who hoist the arrangements to new heights, making these performances both authentic and unique in contrast to their intricate, refined studio version counterparts. The band once again leaves no stone unturned in regards to their unique approach to production value and creative recording techniques. “We use a mix of period correct analog recording gear and time-tested studio tricks to help us achieve the sonic qualities we enjoy so much in older recordings” says Korostinsky of the process.
 
Songs like “Blood Chief” offer the listener an insight into how this band can quickly operate as a classic funk-driven powerhouse– the horn section perfectly on cue with the band as they burn through this ’70s steeped cut that will make any fan of Incredible Bongo Band or Ennio Morricone‘s signature western compositions very happy. The French horror infused “La Pietra” demonstrates a darker, moodier side featuring spiraling piano, deep ominous baritone guitar and trademark harpsichord lines. This live EP wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of ethio-jazz hit “Ethiopian Airlines” performed with the same brooding intensity as their studio cut.
 
Much like all good records, this live EP seems over all too soon and has you wanting to play it over again and again. Next time, perhaps a full-length live album will make its way to us. Clearly the audio and production quality alone demanded a proper digital release from Record Kicks. Essential.

Tanika Charles: the new album “Papillon de Nuit”

Twice JUNO-nominated and two-time Polaris Prize listed, Toronto’s soul songstress Tanika Charles unveils her album “Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly”, out Friday April 8th 2022.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Canadian Soul/R&B powerhouse Tanika Charles unveils the new album “Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly” that is going to be released worldwide on Milan-based Record Kicks label on April 8th. “Papillon de Nuit: The Night Butterfly” is the third studio album with features by rising Toronto rapper DijahSB and multi-disciplinary artist, Khari McClelland. Composed and recorded while in and out of lockdowns, “Papillon de Nuit” is an album anchored in growth and maturity. The inspiration came from an unlikely source, a creature that soars after the sun sets, but often goes unnoticed until the light shines on it. It is the “papillon de nuit” to some, but drably referred to as a moth by others, revealing a bias in language alone.

“I always thought it was a strange insect. Once while in Paris, a friend swatted at one and I asked: ‘Was that a moth?’. I was told: ‘No, that’s a papillon de nuit.’ I thought that was the most beautiful description for this otherwise overlooked creature. When I later learned of the symbolism associated with it, I felt that really spoke to both my own situation and also what we’ve all been going through.”
 
Following the success of “Soul Run” (2016/17) and “The Gumption” (2019), Tanika had found a comfortable cadence of releasing an album then hitting the road over the following year to bring her show to new markets far and wide. So when things changed for all of us, and plans of touring “The Gumption” properly fell through, there was a realization that getting to work on the next project was the healthiest choice to make.
 
“I was in some dark places. My energy was stagnant and the only reliable constant was this perpetual uncertainty. I had gone from feeling like I was everywhere to only being in one place. From seeing so many new faces, to only my own, in the mirror, everyday and having to face that. Getting back to work on music allowed me to explore these feelings through the format I know best. And I wanted to make sure that when things were ready to resume, I’d be ready with something new for my audience too.”
 
While writing the album, Tanika was assisted by frequent collaborator Robert Bolton (“Soul Run”, “Remember to Remember”) and accomplished solo performer Tafari Anthony (Priyanka, of RuPaul’s Drag Race). Featured guests include the multi-disciplinary artist Khari McClelland and the ascendent Toronto rapper, DijahSB. Both Dakarai Morris-James (Joanna Majoko, BeBe Zahara Benet) and Sean “D/SHON” Henderson (“Love Overdue”, Serena Ryder) assisted with vocal arrangements across multiple songs.
 
“I think this album represents my best work to date. And yet, it also represents me coming to terms with who I am as an artist. For the first time I think I’ve actually accepted my own voice. I can hear beyond the imperfections, and I realized that when paired with the right music, it can sound pretty good. I still have my doubts and my dark places, but a little less of them.”

Calibro 35: the new trilogy of reissues and the digital deluxe versions

Record Kicks presents the re-issue of the albums “Traditori di Tutti”, “S.P.A.C.E.” and “DECADE” by mythical cinematic-funk combo CALIBRO 35 on crystal-coloured vinyl and digital Deluxe edition with bonus tracks. 

Order the Trilogy on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Record Kicks is proud to present the reissue of “Traditori di Tutti” (Traitors), “S.P.A.C.E.” and “DECADE”, respectively the legendary fourth, fifth and sixth studio albums by seminal cinematic funk combo Calibro 35 on “coloured” vinyl and in digital “deluxe” edition with bonus tracks. The reissue is part of the second series of trilogies published by Record Kicks about the Milanese band. The first trilogy, which was about the first three albums “Calibro 35”, “The Return of” and “Any Resemblance”, was released in 2020.

This time, Record Kicks reissues in digital deluxe format with bonus tracks and on “Crystal” vinyl of three different colors three other hard-to-find and in-demand records of the band: “Traditori di Tutti (Traitors)”, the “crime-funk” debut on Record Kicks label of 2013, which will be released on all platforms and in record stores on March 4th, 2022, “S.P.A.C.E.”, the space adventure of 2015, which will be available from March 25th 2022, and the orchestral “DECADE” of 2018, to be released on April 29th 2022. The digital Deluxe edition includes unreleased tracks and B-sides. Among the unreleased tracks available for the first time, the ones that stand out are “Milan, Michigan”, the ultra-funk gem from the session of “Traditori” album and “Omicron Padadox” and “The Haploids”, recorded at the legendary Toe Rag Studio in London, made famous by the White Stripes, who recorded the award-winning “Elephant” LP there. Among the B-side bonus tracks, you’ll find the explosive cover of “Get Carter” by Roy Budd, classics of any live set of Calibro 35 such as the funk track “CLBR35”, the “punkish” “Gomma” and the exotica “Polymeri (Afro-Utopia Version)”, all four previously released on 45 vinyl only.

The Diasonics: the debut album “Origin of Forms”

Record Kicks presents “Origin of Forms”, the debut album by Moscow-based band The Diasonics: an album bursting with experimental, global, cinematic grooves, taking us on an expedition around USSR in the 70s.

Order the CD on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Record Kicks is proud to present the hypnotic psychedelic universe of The Diasonics. “Origin of Forms” is the startling debut full-length by the Muscovite band, out January 28th 2022 on ltd edition LP, CD and Digital. The album was anticipated by the first instrumental soul single “Gurami”, released on limited edition 45 vinyl and digital, and by the following singles “Andromeda” and “Deviants”, released on digital platforms.
 
Welcome to “hussar funk”, that’s how The Diasonics call their music: a style that blends infectious deeply cinematic instrumentals, Eastern European flavours, hip-hop rhythms and psychedelia. Firmly rooted in the late 60s and early 70s, their debut album “Origin of Forms” was recorded on an 8-channel Japanese tape recorder Otari MX-5050 MK III at The Diasonics HQ’s Magnetone Studio in Moscow and was mixed by Henry Jenkins (The Cactus Channel / Karate Boogaloo) in Melbourne. All the band’s influences are well reflected in the heavy cinematic sound of the 12 tracks of their debut LP. From the Eastern funk atmosphere of tracks such as “Almandine” and “Salmanazar”, to the trip-hoppish solid groove of “Spiders” and “Andromeda”; from the 70s heavy cinematic moods of “Origin” and “Affair”, to instrumental soul gems such as “Kayana” and “Balance”, “Origin of Forms” has the power to hypnotize you, captivating you from start to finish. Built on deep grooves, with a hint of raw soul and experimental Eastern beats, the 40+ minutes of the album can either plunge the listener into a comfortable melancholy, or cause them unstoppable dance impulses.
 
The Diasonics are one of the latest additions to the Russian instrumental funk scene. The band was only formed in 2019 and it’s made of five young and seriously talented Muscovite musicians: Anton Moskvin (drums), Maxim Brusov (bass guitar), Anton Katyrin (percussions), Daniil Lutsenko (electric guitar) and Kamil Gzizov (keyboards). In just a couple of years the band has amassed a cult following, releasing a shower of ten celebrated singles and various in-demand 45 vinyl records on funk labels such as Funk Night Records and Mocambo Records.
 
Fans of Khruangbin, Dj Shadow and of instrumental soul, take note!

The Grease Traps: the debut album “Solid Ground”

Record Kicks drops Solid Ground, the explosive debut album by US band The Grease Traps, recorded at Kelly Finnigan’s Transistor Sound and mixed by Orgone’s Sergio Rios.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Recorded between Kelly Finnigan’s Transistor Sound in San Francisco and Fifty Filth Studio in Oakland and mixed by Orgone producer and guitarist Sergio Rios and Kevin O’ Dea, Record Kicks is proud to finally present Solid Ground, the long-awaited debut album by the United States’ finest deep funk & soul outfit, The Grease Traps. The album is set for worldwide release on November 5 2021 on vinyl, CD and digital format. The band, based in Oakland, CA, is the latest addition to Milan-based Record Kicks roster. Active since 2005, with a 45 released on well-respected funk/soul label, Colemine Records, now, after six years spent working on the album’s recording and mixing, they are ready to present their first full-length release Solid Ground on Record Kicks. The album is anticipated by the two killer funk singles “Bird of Paradise” and “More and More” on limited edition 45 vinyl.
 
As avid record collectors and fans of that old school analog sound, Solid Ground was recorded straight to 8-track tape on a Tascam 388, which also graces the cover art. Half of the tracks were recorded live at Transistor Sound Studio by soul crooner, Kelly Finnigan, and Ian McDonald where both Kelly and their band, Monophonics, have recorded their last few albums. The other half of the tunes were recorded by Kevin and Aaron at Fifty Filth Studio in Oakland, CA where the band also rehearses and mixed by analog-obsessive Orgone producer and co-founder Sergio Rios. The album’s original tunes draw from the Traps’ various soul influences ranging from gritty funk (“Bird of Paradise” and “Hungry”) to fuzzed-out psychedelic (“Residue”) to sweet lowrider soul (“More and More”). The lyrics by lead singer The Gata also don’t shy away from pressing issues of the day such as racism in America (“Roots”) and finding hope in a world that seems pitted against you (the JB’s style “Solid Ground”). The rare funk covers from the album provide a taste of the raw energy one would experience at a Grease Traps live show. The Traps also supplemented their sound with special guests including the Monophonics horns, background vocals from seasoned Bay Area vocalists, Sally Green and Bryan Dyer, as well as strings organized by Kansas City master viola player, Alyssa Bell.
 
The seed of The Grease Traps formed back in 2000 when keyboardist, Aaron Julin, answered an ad put out by guitarist, Kevin O’Dea, searching for players who were hip to the rare grooves laid down by Blue Note artists such as Grant Green and Lou Donaldson. They quickly formed Groovement, covering those same artists along with other jazz-funk staples. When their sax player and frontman moved away, they switched gears to form the band, Brown Baggin, getting into the harder funk of the JB’s, the Meters, Kool & the Gang, and lesser known acts such as Mickey & the Soul Generation. They also started digging into the rare funk compilations put out by Keb Darge, Jazzman Gerald, and labels like Harmless, Ubiquity, Soul Jazz, and Now-Again. Modern day soul and funk outfits such as Breakestra, the Whitefield Brothers, and the Daptone/Soul Fire crews provided additional inspiration. 
 
In 2005, while still playing with Brown Baggin yet fed up with juggling the schedules of seven band members, Aaron and Kevin put out an ad to find a bassist and drummer to jam with as a quartet. The first two cats to show up were bassist, Goopy Rossi, and drummer, Dave Brick. It was clear from the get-go that this rhythm section had great chemistry. Originally intended as a fun side project, the Traps quickly took priority as Brown Baggin dissolved. Performing as an instrumental quartet for a number of years, they eventually expanded their repertoire to include horns as well as that sharp-dressing soul brother, The Gata, on lead vocals. Over the years, they’ve shared the stage with acts such as Shuggie Otis, Robert Walter, Durand Jones, Monophonics, Neal Francis, and Jungle Fire.

The new RK compilation: “Afro Sides Vol.2”

Record Kicks presents “Afro Sides Vol.2”: the new compilation of afro funk stompers out on July 16th 2021 on all digital platforms.

On July 16th 2021, Record Kicks releases “Afro Sides Vol. 2”, a new compilation made up of some of the best afro funk tracks of the RK catalogue and now available on all digital platforms.

With its motto “The explosive sound from Today’s scene“, Milan-based independent label Record Kicks, together with similar outfits like Daptone Records, Jazzman, Freestyle or Timmion, has been pitching the so-called “Deep Funk” scene for over 15 years. After the previous instalments “Soul Sides Vol.2” and “Funk Sides Vol.2”, it’s now time for “Afro Sides Vol.2”, a brand-new compilation made up of 10 infectious afro funk stormers featuring the very best of the Milan label catalogue with rare gems from Baby Charles, Calibro 35, The Tibbs, Whatitdo Archive Group and many more.

Calibro 35: the new EP “Post Momentum”

Italian cinematic funk heroes CALIBRO 35 return with the new EP “POST MOMENTUM”.

Order the LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Record Kicks is proud to present “POST MOMENTUM”, the new EP by Italian cult combo Calibro 35 to be released on June 11th 2021 on digital platforms and on July 9th 2021 on limited edition 12” clear vinyl. The extended-play comes 17 months after the acclaimed previous Calibro 35 album “MOMENTUM”, which – as the band stated: “represented a look at nowadays and a reflection about making music right in the time that we’re living”. The tour began right after the album release in January 2020, but it was soon interrupted when the whole world suddenly stopped because of the Pandemic. Now “POST MOMENTUM” represents a re-start and the first step towards the future, picking up where they left off. 
 
Among the six tracks of the EP, while “Digi-Tails” and “Stars and Stripes, Chirps and Bleeps” express the unique musicianship of Calibro 35 as we have come to know over the years; “Being a Robot is Awesome” and “Artificial Black Moon” see the participation of a guest from the world to come: Sophia, the humanoid developed by Hanson Robotics capable of interacting autonomously with everything around it, reminding us how being a Robot could prove to be the best strategy to survive sometimes. The opening of the EP is an alternate version of the single “Stan Lee” enriched by two heavyweights of Italian rap: Ensi and Ghemon, who don’t make us miss Illa J. The EP ends with another alternate version of “Stan Lee”, this time in all its instrumental glory.

Whatitdo Archive Group: the long-lost soundtrack “The Black Stone Affair”

Record Kicks presents “The Black Stone Affair”, the lost Italian Cinematic Masterpiece by Whatitdo Archive Group out on April 9th 2021.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

For the first time ever, Record Kicks is pleased to announce the release of the long lost soundtrack by Whatitdo Archive Group to the Italian Cinematic Masterpiece “The Black Stone Affair” on beautiful gatefold vinyl, CD and digital format on April 09 2021. The first extract from the movie soundtrack, which will be available on all digital platforms and limited edition 45 vinyl on March 05 2021, is the “The Return of Beaumont Jenkins feat. Alessandro Alessandroni JR”. Alessandro is the son of one of one of the greatest composers of the Italian Golden age of soundtracks, Alessandro Alessandroni. Alessandroni worked with Ennio Morricone on a number of soundtracks including many Sergio Leone’s classics.

Long thought to be lost alongside the movie itself by the production studio, the soundtrack’s master reels were recently recovered and its audio meticulously restored and remastered by J.J. Golden in Ventura, CA. The movie itself was understood to be unusual for its time: a globetrotting adventure/western-noir written and directed by aspiring visionary, Stefano Paradisi. Unfortunately for Paradisi, the tragic loss of his masterpiece during a fire also meant the end of his short lived career in movies. People who worked on the film have been cited as saying this film was very ambitious, set to be a turning point in Paradisi’s carrier putting him on the map alongside the likes of Sergio Leone and Antonioni.

While the movie never saw the light of day, the soundtrack by obscure band Whatitdo Archive Group has thankfully been recovered. The music itself is staggering to hear, each track evoking all the senses almost all at once. “The Black Stone Affair (Main Theme)” sets the story with its dizzying bassline underneath a Morricone-esque harpsichord melody eventually all digressing into a psych-freakout of guitars swirling over what is the overarching motif groove of this iconic soundtrack.

We then get taken into the giallo-steeped melody of “Blood Chief”. What can only be the theme of the antagonist, this cut offers crunchy drum breaks, reverb-drenched bongos and a sinister baritone guitar line that seems to be indicative of its character. “Ethiopian Airlines” transports the movie into exotic lands with its afro-centric rhythms and mysterious horn melody. The search is on for the elusive Black Stone, an artifact so coveted it had been hidden for decades for its fatal power of seduction. For fans of KPM and De Wolfe Music, “Il Furto Di Africo” definitely delivers a similar ‘library’ flavor popular at the time. Our ears are treated to an ambiguous sense of center. What were Whatitdo Archive Group thinking? There almost seems to be two key centers at once and a slithering flute line blending between both. We can only imagine that the Black Stone was successfully stolen from the small Italian village of Africo with this track.

What movie really is complete without a lounge-y Bossa number? “Italian Love Triangle” delivers that sun-soaked Mediterranean romance. Our cunning female lead, Lola, decides the only way she can acquire the Black Stone is to pit the trio of characters against each other with an erotic love triangle she carefully crafts to exploit the vulnerability of Blood Chief and Beaumont Jenkins. “Last Train to Budapest” finds our two male leads in a gun-wielding, high-stakes train chase through the dizzying mountains of Bosnia racing to Hungary’s capital city. The music brilliantly calls upon the soundtrack’s multiple melodic motifs to all collide into a single stressful heart-racing track sure to put a knot in your stomach.

Probably the most unusual song appearing in this soundtrack is the French infused “L’amour au Centre de la Terre”, an obvious yet tasteful homage to the composers’ musical hero, Alain Goraguer. A lilting monologue is recited by who seems to be Lola, the tragic female lead in “The Black Stone Affair”. Her passage speaks of the entangled romance she shares with the other two male leads and her plan to acquire the elusive Black Stone for herself. It’s every man (and woman) for themselves! Paranoia and deceit has crept into the minds and motives of our conniving trio. No one can be trusted and false alliances are crumbling from within.

“The Black Stone Affair (Reprise)” evokes the characters’ gut-wrenching feeling with its ever-rising key center.  “Farewell Lola” is the saddening funeral dirge and exit of the aforementioned Lola. Sworn enemies Beaumont and Blood Chief stand silently outside the church and watch as Lola’s casket is lowered into her untimely grave. This is merely an armistice between the remaining opponents, only to resume after paying their respects to their former ‘lover’.  A gory fight leaves Blood Chief standing. Beaumont is nowhere to be seen and only a cloud of dust slowly settles into the landscape as the mournful guitar and harmonica of “Beaumont’s Lament” plays quietly in the distance. All is not lost. Triumphantly, Beaumont Jenkins stands tall, throws one last devastating blow to Blood Chief leaving him incapacitated. “The Return of Beaumont Jenkins” plays loudly in the face of Blood Chief desperately reaching for the stone only to realize it’s a false! Our new hero, Beaumont Jenkins, sustained by Alessandro Alessandroni Jr.‘s cinematic whistle, rides away victoriously into the night sky… the Black Stone hidden cleverly in his hat. End credits.

Steeped in obscurity, a cult following of crate-diggers and musical oddity collectors has been brewing over the mysterious releases of the Whatitdo Archive Group. Surfacing in 2009 from the high deserts of Reno, NV, USA, this recording collective focuses solely on curating, performing and preserving esoteric soundtrack, library and deep-groove collections. The personnel of the group consist of three musicians; each of them avid composers, recording engineers and obsessive record collectors. Alexander Korostinsky, Mark Sexton and Aaron Chiazza met in college and have been working together on producing music for over 10 years. (Both Korostinsky and Sexton also happen to write and perform in critically-acclaimed soul group “The Sextones”). In 2015 they quietly released a small batch of lo-fi deep-groove demos recorded exclusively to cassette in an old garage. This became their first full length offering, “Shit’s Dope”, and it began to quickly spread across the internet piquing the interest of record collectors and DJs all over the world—a record Fleamarket Funk describes as “Falling in between some Headhunters and Lunar Funk 45s” and becoming a bestseller on Bandcamp of that year.

During this time, the Whatitdo Archive Group also began what is often hailed as a vital turning point in Reno music history; by hosting their famous “Whatitdo Wednesday” residency at a local venue. These packed performances drew the attention of not only live music-goers, but also the most accomplished jazz musicians in the area, often joining them on stage. Eventually, these shows stumbled into the arena of obscure performance art, where the band would facetiously distribute written and multiple choice tests during their performance for the audience to participate in.

After their residency came to a bittersweet end, the Whatitdo Archive Group refocused their attention on the wonderful world of 1970’s soul-jazz, where they wrote and recorded what would be their follow up 7” release, “Crocker Way / Steve’s Romp”. This limited edition 45RPM became a hot ticket item for UK record collectors who had been previous fans of WAG’s older lo-fi work. “Crocker Way” was also a featured track on BBC Radio 6. Shortly after producing “Crocker Way / Steve’s Romp”, the group again started production on their crown jewel of a record, a concept album that had been tossed around for several years beforehand but never executed. As band member Mark Sexton explains “We wanted to create an album that encompassed everything we love and admire about old Italian soundtrack scores, and bring that energy back into the spotlight”. The group spent 9 months of research, digging through their personal collections of dusty LP’s scrutinizing the work of Piccioni, Torossi, Roubaix, Alessandroni and of course Morricone, recording, mixing and working with over 24 skilled musicians. The Whatitdo Archive Group finally completed what would be their finest work to date, “The Black Stone Affair”. Recorded entirely in Korostinsky’s home studio, this record is a labor of love, dedication, appreciation and respect for the golden age of Italian Soundtrack and Library music.

Record Kicks unveils the mysterious band behind “The Black Stone Affair” soundtrack

Record Kicks unveils Whatitdo Archive Group, the mysterious band behind “The Black Stone Affair” soundtrack.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Record Kicks is proud to unveil Whatitdo Archive Group, the mysterious band behind the high concept homage to old Italian Film Soundtracks “The Black Stone Affair”. The soundtrack for a movie that doesn’t exist that hits the streets Friday April 9th on LP, CD and digital format via Milan label Record Kicks, is brought to you by Reno’s trio Whatitdo Achieve Group and is based on the supposed finding of the soundtrack’s master reels, long thought to be lost alongside the movie. The movie itself is described to be unusual for its time: a globetrotting adventure/western-noir written and directed by an aspiring visionary filmmaker named Stefano Paradisi. 
 
Steeped in obscurity, a cult following of crate-diggers and musical oddity collectors has been brewing over the mysterious releases of the Whatitdo Archive Group. Surfacing in 2009 from the high deserts of Reno, NV, USA, this recording collective focuses solely on curating, performing and preserving esoteric soundtrack, library and deep-groove collections. The personnel of the group consist of three musicians; each of them avid composers, recording engineers and obsessive record collectors. Alexander Korostinsky, Mark Sexton and Aaron Chiazza met in college and have been working together on producing music for over 10 years. (Both Korostinsky and Sexton also happen to write and perform in critically-acclaimed soul group “The Sextones”). In 2019 the group started production on their crown jewel of a record, a concept album that had been tossed around for several years beforehand but never executed. As band member Mark Sexton explains “We wanted to create an album that encompassed everything we love and admire about old Italian soundtrack scores, and bring that energy back into the spotlight”. The group spent 9 months of research, digging through their personal collections of dusty LP’s scrutinizing the work of Piccioni, Torossi, Roubaix, Alessandroni and of course Morricone, recording, mixing and working with over 24 skilled musicians. The Whatitdo Archive Group finally completed what would be their finest work to date, “The Black Stone Affair”. Recorded entirely in Korostinsky’s home studio, this record is a labor of love, dedication, appreciation and respect for the golden age of Italian Soundtrack and Library music.

The new RK compilation: “Funk Sides Vol.2”

Record Kicks presents “Funk Sides Vol.2”: the new compilation of heavy funk stompers out on February 12th 2021 on all digital platforms.

On February 12th 2021, Record Kicks releases “Funk Sides Vol. 2”, a new compilation made up of some of the best funk tracks of the RK catalogue and now available on all digital platforms.

With its motto “The explosive sound from Today’s scene”, Milan-based independent label Record Kicks, together with similar outfits like Daptone Records, Jazzman, Freestyle or Timmion, has been pitching the so-called “Deep Funk” scene for nearly 15 years. After the previous installment “Soul Sides Vol. 2” now it’s time for “Funk Sides Vol. 2”, another irresistibly infectious compilation made of 12 heavy funk stompers. Featuring tracks from Marta Ren & The Groovelvets, The Liberators, Hannah Williams & The Affirmations, Dojo Cuts, Calibro 35 and many more.

The new RK compilation: “Soul Sides Vol.2”

Record Kicks presents “Soul Sides Vol.2”: the new compilation of soul gems out January 15th 2021 on all digital platforms.

On January 15th 2021, Record Kicks releases “Soul Sides Vol. 2”, a new digital compilation made up of some of the best soul tracks of the RK catalogue and available on all digital platforms.

With its motto “The explosive sound from Today’s scene”, Milan-based independent label Record Kicks, together with similar outfits like Daptone Records, Jazzman or Timmion, has been pitching the so-called “Retro Soul Revival” movement for over a decade. Now it proudly presents “Soul Sides Vol. 2”: the second volume of an irresistibly infectious compilation that turns your days into total Soul fire!

A selection of 11 superb soul gems from The Devonns, Baby Charles, The Tibbs, Hannah Williams & The Affirmations, Marta Ren & The Groovelvets, Alexis Evans, Tanika Charles, Diplomats Of Solid Sound, Dojo Cuts and many more.

Get ready for a soul storm brought by your trusted soul specialist Record Kicks!

The new RK compilation: “Breaks and Beats”

Record Kicks releases “Breaks and Beats”: funk breaks & hot instrumentals.

Record Kicks proudly presents “Breaks and Beats”, the new digital compilation made up of some of the funkiest instrumental cuts of the RK catalogue and available from December 18th 2020 on all digital platforms.

At Record Kicks we live for funky breaks and hot instrumentals, we have a reputation for that, with our catalogue being sampled by quite a few rap superstars such as Jay-Z, Tyler The Creator and Dr. Dre. With “Record Kicks Breaks and Beats”, the new instalment of our digital compilation series, we’ve dug into our funky vaults to bring you a new collection made with some of the hottest instrumental tracks of the catalogue. Expect 12 tracks full of exclusive killer breaks and infectious beats brought to you by the very best of our roster.

Featuring Baby Charles, Calibro 35, Third Coast Kings, Hannah Williams & The Affirmations, Dojo Cuts, Tanika Charles and many more! 12 hard hitting tracks yet to be sampled, you dig it!?

The Tibbs: the new album “Another Shot Fired”

Premier Dutch soul band The Tibbs returns with the new album “Another Shot Fired”, out on November 20th 2020.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Dutch vintage soul combo The Tibbs presents “Another Shot Fired”, their second studio album that will hit the streets November 20th 2020.

The new album “Another Shot Fired” was recorded during lockdown at Electric Monkey in Amsterdam under the production of Paul Willemsen (Lefties Soul Connection, Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions) and it introduces a new singer to the project: the young super-talented Roxanne Hartog, who penned the lyrics of most of the songs.

Based around Amsterdam, The Tibbs took off in 2012 working right from the start with producer Paul Willemsen. In 2016 their first LP, “Takin’ Over” marked their debut with Milan based imprint Record Kicks. The singles “Next Time” and “The Story Goes” received critical acclaim on radio stations throughout Europe and North America and the 45s flew out the door in record time. The release of “Takin’ Over” delivered the band far richer rewards. Playing sold-out venues in both Milan and Frankfurt. The Tibbs’ profile rose further still with wonderful festival performances in Germany and Hungary, followed by a successful sold-out tour of Spain. In late 2018, Elsa Bekman decided to follow her heart and focus on a solo career. The Tibbs duly began their search for a truly worthy successor, bringing astonishing vocalist Roxanne Hartog and the band together for the first time. With new recordings in the bag and a great new album about to be released, The Tibbs are once more ready for lift off.

Marta Ren new single ‘22:22’

Portuguese Funk ‘N’ Roll sensation Marta Ren to release new single ‘22:22’ via Record Kicks.

Since Marta Ren went solo from her band The Groovelvets, her groove has been not up for negotiation; whoever she meets in the studio or on stage, whether it be with a band, a producer or even an orchestra (or two), asserting her own destiny as a leader of her signature “Funk ‘N’ Roll” sound. With her latest single “22:22”, she references her continuous need to be honest with herself, struggling internally for the need to listen to herself whilst dealing with the challenges of pleasing other people.

At a time when the word “activism” is used as a communication accessory, here the artist assumes something essential to change the paradigm: to listen and make our voices heard, as much as we reach out as a human gesture kindness. Over the last few years Marta has played extensively across Europe, playing numerous festivals such as Transmusicalles in France and Eurosonic in the Netherlands, the UK’s well established Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival as well as the highly regarded Sziget Festival in Hungary.

Towards the end of 2019, Marta invited the Matosinhos Jazz Orchestra to interpret her repertoire, which included songs from her album “Stop Look Listen“, her most recent single “Worth It”, as well as classic themes from the American Songbook.

In the midst of a global pandemic, she performed with the Matosinhos Jazz Orchestra as part of one Portugal’s most cherished festivals the Avante Festival in Amora, which was aired by Antena3 / RTP TV station in her home country, Portugal, where she is a household name, it also gave her fans the opportunity to hear a taste of latest single “22:22”, released via Records Kicks. 

The new RK compilation: “Chartbusters”

“Record Kicks Chartbusters” – Out July 10th 2020!

No Fillers! All Killers! Record Kicks proudly presents a collection of the Milan label’s heavyweight classics featuring the very best of its catalogue. A selection of soul, afro jazz, funk stormers by Trio Valore, Calibro 35, Hannah Williams, The New Mastersounds feat. Corinne Bailey Rae remixed by Nostalgia 77, Tanika Charles, Italian Spiderman Ost and many more. The compilation is available from July 10th 2020 on all digital platforms.

With over 150 releases under the belt and under its motto “The explosive sound from Today’s scene”, independent label Record Kicks, together with similar outfits like Daptone Records, Freestyle, Colemine Records or Timmion, has been pitching the so-called Retro Soul movement and in general Soul music for nearly two decades.

The Devonns: the self-titled debut album

The Devonns dust off the golden era of 70’s Chicago soul with their self-titled debut album on Record Kicks.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Straight from the streets of Chicago, Illinois, The Devonns (pronounced “De vaughns”) are the brand new soul outfit and the latest addition of the Record Kicks’ family, whose self-titled debut album that drops June 5th 2020, is an assortment of influences taking us back to the heyday of soul.

Drawing influences from bands such as The Dramatics, The Isley Brothers and Leroy Hutson, yet bringing in their own unique modern twist, influenced by artists such as Jamie Lidell and Raphael Saadiq; singer Mat Ajjarapu explains how unintentionally, the rich heritage of Chicago’s history with soul music influenced him.

 “The city was at the epicentre of a lot of good music back in the 50’s all the way to the 80’s, a lot of the labels specialising in soul were based in the Chicago and we even had our own sound known as ‘Chicago soul’. Through several years of crate digging it surprised me how many songs I loved were recorded in this city, for example one of my favourites is this great little song by The Natural Four, produced by Leroy Hutson ‘Can This Be Real’, and released via Curtom Records”.

The band started in 2016 after multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Mathew Ajjarapu dropped out of med school and found himself unemployed and drifting. Listening to music constantly at the time, he found inspired to put a band together and create his own music. Pairing up with some of the best musicians Chicago has to offer, he founded The Devonns: the rhythm duty is entrusted to Khalyle Hagood (bass), Ari Lindo (guitar) and Khori Wilson (drums).

The release took almost two years to complete as Mat explains: “I am a perfectionist, I had a very specific vision in my head about how it should sound and I wasn’t going to rest until I achieved it”.

 “This is a definitely a throwback soul record, as well as being drawn to the lush and intricate arrangements of Motown, I was also inspired by the more lo-fi works of smaller labels such as Chess and Capsoul, and I wanted to capture the magic they had in those recordings in our record, as everything feels too precise nowadays”, clarifies Mat.

It was thanks to his engineer Mike Hagler, who introduced him to Paul Von Mertons (Mavis Staples, Paul McCartney, Elton John) who arranges and conducts for Brian Wilson’s live touring show and after a 45 minute phone conversation about what Mat wasn’t keen on, on the album, he realised Paul totally understood where he was coming from.

After a few months wait for Paul to get back from touring they entered the studio with “Paul’s players” and as soon as they hit record, Mat explains: “I was getting chills up my neck, it was one of the happiest days of my life, and finally we had nailed it!”.

The introduction of percussionist, organist and guitarist extraordinaire Ken Stringfellow best known for his work with REM since 1997 who features throughout the album really was the icing on the cake for Mat. “Ken is a family friend and had previously collaborated on my older brother Phil Ajjarapu’s solo album. It was incredible to be in the studio with these two giants”.

Tracks such as “Come Back”; which Mat wrote in ten minutes on a $300 Daneelectro Singlecut guitar initially, came to life, with Paul’s rich string arrangements.

It still took a few months to get the recording process finished but finally after a torturous nineteen months the album was finally finished. The result is an album filled with lavish string arrangements and catchy melodies which take us on a nostalgic musical journey inspired by chic 70s soul, yet the band don’t hesitate to add their own unique and elegant contemporary stamp to the record.

Calibro 35: the new album “Momentum”

Record Kicks is proud to present “MOMENTUM”, the new album by Calibro 35, out worldwide on January 24th 2020.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Italian cult combo Calibro 35 release their highly anticipated 7th studio album “MOMENTUM” on January 24th 2020. “MOMENTUM” follows “DECADE”, their previous studio album released in 2018 that had marked 10 years of Calibro 35, and it stands out as a new starting point for the project. In the last 10 years Calibro 35 have dug the golden age of soundtracks and they have been to the future with “S.P.A.C.E.”. “MOMENTUM”, as the band stated: “represents a look at nowadays and a reflection about making music right in the time that we’re living”.

Inspired by the work of artists such as Tortoise, Jagajazzist, Dj Shadow, Budos Band, Stelvio Cipriani, Ennio Morricone, Sandro Brugnolini, White Noise, Comet is Coming, JPEGMafia and DJ Signify, compared to the previous Calibro 35’s full lengths on the 10 tracks that make up the new album, band’s instruments and sounds have increased in number and complexity as well as reality. The music palette is further extended by incorporating even more synths and electronic sounds, but keeping everything true and 100% real, with all the instruments played live and with no presets or programming. The two featurings on the album serve the cause as well. On the first single “Stan Lee”, they collaborated with rapper, producer and songwriter Illa J, a former member of super group Slum Village and younger brother of the late legendary hip hop producer and rapper J Dilla. On “Black Moon”, the combo from Milan provided the groove for London-based artist MEI. “If ‘DECADE’ was the sum of everything that the band had felt in the previous ten years”, Calibro 35 says, “‘MOMENTUM’ is the prequel of what you will hear in the next ten”. 

To mark the new beginning and come full circle, the recordings took place under the expert hands of usual suspect Tommaso Colliva, in the same studio where Calibro released their self titled debut album twelve years ago.

The band will be on tour, starting in February 2020. Down here the UK tour dates and further up the video teaser of the album, made by Sugo Design and Francesco Imperato and available on Youtube and on the band’s social medias.

Hannah Williams & the Affirmations: the new album “50 Foot Woman”

Record Kicks is proud to present “50 Foot Woman”, the new album by Jay-Z 4.44’s soul hurricane Hannah Williams & The Affirmations.

Order the CD on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Hannah Williams, the British soul hurricane who sensationally became part of Jay-Z‘s chart-topping 4:44 album, is primed and ready for her own national and international breakthrough. Williams turned heads worldwide when the hip-hop superstar sampled her heart-stopping vocals on ‘Late Nights & Heartbreak‘ for the title track, ‘4.44’ on his 2017 album. Now Hannah and her exemplary, Bristol-based band the Affirmations deliver a definitive career statement with the drop-dead soulful new album 50 Foot Woman which will be released October 18th on the Milan based imprint Record Kicks.  

The album captures all of the visceral power of the band’s increasingly legendary live performances. Shades of classic Soul and Psychedelic Funk blend uniquely with modern-day flavours on a record destined to set the soul agenda for 2019 and far beyond. “I’ve never been as proud of anything in my entire career” says Hannah. Born in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, Williams’ father was a musically gifted minister, and her mother let her join the church choir at the age of six. Hannah could read music before she could properly read words, and when she discovered soul by listening with her mum to Motown and Bill Withers, there was no turning back. After a 2012 debut with her previous band the Tastemakers, it was 2016’s Late Nights & Heartbreak that announced the arrival of Hannah Williams and the Affirmations. But little did she know that Jay-Z was listening.

One day, at herthen-day job running the music department at the University of Winchester, he sent her a text.
Once she’d established that it wasn’t a wind-up, and summoned the courage to call him back, she learned that JayZ’s producer, No I.D., had played him Hannah’s track to inspire his response to Beyoncé’s Lemonade,
on which she sang of his infidelities. Williams was as in the dark about how ‘Late Nights & Heartbreak’ would be used until 4:44 dropped. But the substantial sample of her voice opened doors she never dreamed of. “It was an incredible catalyst,” she says, “as a change in our collective career, and getting a global audience. Suddenly, there were millions of predominantly American hip-hop fans listening to my voice, going ‘Is this from the ’60s? Is she dead?’”

What followed was a year of the band’s widest-ever touring including an invitation to perform at Central Park Summer Stage NY, Toronto Jazz Festival and Brooklyn Bowl NY and expanded audiences in continental Europe where she and the Affirmations had already made a mark. Then came the burning determination to make the record of their lives. The captivating 50 Foot Woman is that album, produced by Shawn Lee, a respected presence on the funk/soul scene whose credits include Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey and Alicia Keys. Lee has released five solo albums as Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra on San Francisco label Ubiquity Records and is also one half of the cool melodic pop duo Young Gun Silver Fox. Now the world will hear what the cognoscenti have known for a while: that Hannah Williams is the real deal, and sings from her very soul. “I feel like my performance comes from my solar plexus,” she says. “The emotional side of it is so intrinsic; I can’t take it away from what I do“.

The new RK compilation: “Summer Soul”

Out July 19th 2019 “Record Kicks Summer Soul”!

Record Kicks presents “Record Kicks Summer Soul” a super-hot new digital compilation of vintage soul and heavy funk ideal for your scorching summer days available from July 19th 2019 on all digital platforms.

A collection of essential deep soul releases from the very best of the Milan based label’s roster that contains all the latest singles mixed together with heavy-weight classics and obscure pearls from the vaults. Tracklist includes “Worth It” the brand new singles by Portughese soul sister Marta Ren, “Tell Me Something” by Toronto’s soulstress Tanika Charles and “Your Words” by Bordeaux based enfant prodige of Soul Alexis Evans. In the tracklist also classics cuts and obscure pearls like “Everything Better in The Summertime” by Nick Pride & The Pimptones, “Life’s Begun” by Baby Charles, “Mamacita” by Aussie Dojo Cuts and many more.

Marta Ren: the new single and 45 “Worth It”

Produced in London by Emre Ramazanoglu (Lily Allen, Mark Ronson, Ali Farka Tourè) Portughese soul sister Marta Ren returns with new single “Worth It” on June 07th 2019.

Order the 45 on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Portuguese soul sister Marta Ren is back. The Porto based soulstress returns with the new single “Worth It” available from June 07th 2019 on digital and limited edition 45 vinyl. “Worth it” anticipates the awaited second studio album which is scheduled to be released on Record Kicks at the beginning of 2020. Marta Ren exploded onto the international soul scene with her debut album “Stop Look Listen” in 2016 but she has been around in the Portuguese scene since the mid 90s with The Bombazines. After the release of her acclaimed debut album “Stop Look Listen” Marta has extensively played all over Europe, included on big stages such as Trans Musicales festival in Rennes, Sziget Festival, Eurosonic and Mostly Jazz Funk.

“Worth it” has been mixed and produced in London by hitmaking producer and engineer Emre Ramazanoglu who in his 20 years career has garnered an impressive résumé working closely amongst the others with Mark Ronson, Lily Allen, Kylie Minogue and Noel Gallagher on his latest album “Who Built The Moon?”. The result of the collaboration between Emre and Marta is an impressive 60s soul stormer with a rock feel. Marta’s powerful voice betrays once more all her passion for the deepest funk and rawest soul of the sixties and early seventies and the result is something that would make the founding JB’s soul sisters proud once again. If a good day starts in the morning… welcome back “Marva” Marta Ren!

Tanika Charles: the new album “The Gumption”

Record Kicks presents “The Gumption”, the new album by Juno Award and Polaris Music Prize-nominated Canadian soul star Tanika Charles.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Produced by a stable of some of Canada’s finest musical minds including 3 Grammy Awards winner Chin Injeti (DJ Khalil, Eminem, Drake, Aloe Blacc), Record Kicks proudly presents “The Gumption” the awaited new album by Toronto soul star Tanika Charles that will hit the streets worldwide on May 10th 2019. 
 
“What gave you the gumption?” Tanika Charles rhetorically asks during the introductory notes of her sophomore album appropriately titled The Gumption. While the apprehensive lover at the receiving end of that inquisition should feel slighted by the remark, it also alludes to the assuredness Tanika has gained since the release of her Juno Award and Polaris Music Prize-nominated debut Soul Run. The Gumption picks up where Soul Run left off, continuing her tradition of marrying classic soul with modern production styles. Across a dozen songs spanning 38 minutes, Tanika addresses moments of vulnerability, vindication, uncertain love, forbidden fruit and the state of the world today.

Predominately guitar-driven mid-tempo soul, with a handful of dance floor friendly tunes and some psychedelic leanings, The Gumption was indirectly influenced by the likes of Alabama Shakes, The Supremes, Khruangbin, D’Angelo, and Moses Sumney. It is sonically moody at times, but with consistent silver-lining arcs. “I’ve grown up and learned to deal with situations significantly better. We have a tendency to hold back our innermost feelings for fear of hurting others. Even when we’re happy we worry about over-sharing, as if joy is a competition you don’t want to gloat about.”
 
The success of Soul Run propelled Tanika in front of new audiences far and wide, with extensive touring in North America and Europe. “I’ve been touring, experiencing new places and meeting new people. And in that time also worked on completing this album”.  While criss-crossing Canada with festival appearances on both the east and west coasts, Tanika also embarked upon four overseas tours for a combined 45 European shows within a one year period. This included performances at the prestigious Trans Musicales Festival in France, the Lärz, Germany Fusion Festival, Mostly Funk & Soul and Jazz Festival in UK, the Holy Groove Festival in Switzerland, and the Canarias Jazz Festival in Spain.

Alexis Evans: the new album “I’ve Come a Long Way”

The enfant prodige Alexis Evans returns with a new album that makes Bordeaux the new French capital of deep soul.

Order the CD and LP on our Web Shop or Bandcamp.

Forget about great wines for a second, from Bordeaux rolls in Alexis Evans, the next big thing of the French deep soul scene. Following his acclaimed debut LP “Girl Bait” (2016) Record Kicks is proud to present “I’ve Come A Long Way”, the new installment of the Anglo/French artist that will hit the streets worldwide on March 8th 2019. Recorded in Bordeaux, mixed in Sydney by Dojo Cuts’ and The Liberators’ head honcho Nate Goldentone and mastered in LA at Golden Mastering, with “I’ve Come A Long Way” Alexis Evans is ready to impress you with one of the most original and honest deep soul and rhythm and blues album that you’ll find around.

“I’ve Come a Long Way” might seem like an ambitious album for a 25 years old guy, but from the soulful opening track “She Took me back” to the last rock and roll storming cut “Rock’N’ Roll Healer” you’ll be immediately captured by Alexis’ incredible musicianship and songwriting. Imagine a soulful and much funkier version of Jon Spencer where the Meters, Otis Redding and Sly & The Family Stone are kings. “I spent a few months composing and arranging all these tracks with the idea of approaching the songs of The Impressions, Allen Toussaint or Bobby Womack” says Alexis “and with everyone in the right mood, we found our own sound and we recorded the album”.

Despite his relatively young age, the Bordeaux-based singer-songwriter-producer Alexis Evans is not a newcomer in the music scene. He discovered Afro-American music as a child and learnt to play guitar thanks to his father, an English musician. At the age of 17 he debuted with his first project “Jumping to the Westside”, with which he was awarded the “Cognac Blues Passion” prize and flew to the “International Blues Challenge” in Memphis, Tennessee, where he impressed the American audience even though he was still a teenager. Mr.Evans has built a household name in the scene as the “enfant prodige of soul”, touring extensively his country with explosive live sets at RDV Erdre Nantes, Rhino Jazz St-Etienne, Lyon Ninkasi, Club Nubia Paris, Festivals Relâche Bordeaux, Jazz à Vienne as well as Festivals in England, Switzerland and Wales.

Fans of Daptone and Stax Records you better take note.