UK

We head into the final quarter of the year with a very welcome return to First Word from London producer, musician, engineer and DJ, Eric Lau. Following on from his acclaimed early 2017 album, 'Examples', we proudly present the second volume - another delectable 28-track beats opus.'Examples Volume Two' is Eric's fourth instrumental album, and ably continues where he left off with an assortment of sonics, ranging through hip hop, jazz, funk, soul & Brazilian beats. An elaborate sketchpad of ideas and grooves, this again gives a taste of the genius production skills of 'The Commissioner', Mr. Lau.A mixdown perfectionist, his services have been drafted into service on a number of albums over the past few years, including Yussef Kamaal's 'Black Focus', Mansur Brown's 'Shiroi', The Playlist's 'Chasing Goosebumps', DJ Jazzy Jeff's 'M3', Masego's 'Lady Lady', and Kaidi Tatham's 'It's A World Before You', released on First Word recently. It's through these recent collaborations that we have a few unique ingredients peppered through this project, the track 'Jeff's Piano' is based on a sample taken from Eric's iPhone, capturing a moment when Kaidi was teaching Masego a few chords at Jeff's studio. Both integral players to the Playlist Retreat, Eric and Kaidi have also provided remix duties for Moonchild, Omar and Leon Ware, and Kaidi Kat also lends his key playing talents to a few tracks here.Eric has also worked as a producer for artists like Oddisee, Guilty Simpson, Dego, Tawiah, Rahel and Fatima, whilst his DJ skills have seen him tour the globe with luminaries such as Erykah Badu, Robert Glasper and Questlove. He's received props over the years from tastemakers across the world, including Rich Medina, 9th Wonder, Bobbito, Dam Funk, Phonte, Gilles Peterson, James Poyser (The Roots) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest).His previous outings for First Word pre 'Examples' were as part of the Record Store Day beat-challenge trilogy, along with Tall Black Guy, Kidkanevil and Mr. Thing. Additionally to four instrumental LPs, he released his debut-album 'New Territories' on Ubiquity a decade ago, as well as the acclaimed 2013 sophomore album, 'One Of Many'.This latest set of 'Examples' is available on all digital services and regular black vinyl, as well as a limited edition blue vinyl version. Essential music for your mind, body and soul.

BACK IN STOCK !!!Multitrack wizard The Reflex returns for his second release on Revision Records with two more edits strictly rebuilt from the original multitracks as only he can do it.First The Reflex tackles THAT Marvin track, taking it as far away as possible from Blurred Lines, morphing it into a DJ delight that has been caned by the likes of François Kevorkian, Joey Negro, Dimitri From Paris, Craig Charles and many others. Or how to make the best of 11 minutes of multitracks for the 21st century dance floor.Second is an incredible spin on Serge Gainsbourg disco sleaze summer anthem 'Sea,Sex & Sun' - three years in the making - that get rids of the cheese for a funky cosmic workout result, including vocals from both english and french versions. This one is exclusive to the vinyl and has never been previously available.Two peaktime radical reworkings of classics tracks that are sure to raise eyebrows !Limited numbers so act fast!

Rain&Shine proudly present ENERGIZE, a band out of Marin County, California in 1979. Previously unobtainable even for top DJs due to rarity, Rain&Shine gives this double A side modern soul/disco 45 an official re-issue treatment. About ENERGIZE (words by Dan Hays - Guitarist, Songwriter):ENERGIZE came to age in a post-hippie era, where musicians went back to playing covers in bars. However Marin was still inexpensive and it was possible to pool money together to buy studio time.That's how ENERGIZE formed - working musicians led by the superb producer and guitar player, Archie Williams (son of Archie Williams Sr - a passionate educator, WWII air force pilot and 1936 Olympic champion) Dan Hayes - songwriter and guitarist, and John Isabeau - lyrics and our executive producer.John is now a successful Hollywood producer, Oscar documentary award winner, and resides in James Brown's former house in Las Vegas.The record also features a hugely successful blues vocalist who has asks to remain uncredited. Archie, John and I now have grown children and a few grandkids as well and getting a kick that 40 years later, our self-produced record has found an audience. Far Out.

Tropical Disco Records are back with their fifth release of the year, bringing you four killer edits from the Tropical Disco Volt.Moodena introduces Volume 5 in fine style, mustering another spellbinding composition with Gil's Groove. Sounding as swagged out as ever, it's evident form & flair comes naturally to the artist.TD comrades Moodena & Sartorial present their first collaboration on Turn It Up, neatly entwining their distinct styles, rolling basslines, cascading guitars and sultry Sax. The result is a piece of pure energy - it's hard not to do exactly what the track tells you.The disco wizard, Sartorial continues his ever growing solo output with 6 million, a righteous slab of soulful dance music that can make a dancefloor bang, as well as weep.Feel The Heat rolls effortlessly with a lush vocal that melts the loins and lays out a sonic smorgasboard of what epitomises Tropical Disco Records - soul!

Volume 4 "Sound of the Summer EP " from Tropical Disco Edits crew brings in the summertime with 4 expertly crafted cuts, each perfectly tailored for the discerning disco dance floor.Tropical Disco Edits are pleased to present their latest member of the family, Moodena who premieres on the label with his summer groove "Strawberry Jam" a jazzy disco fusion with tinges of George Benson, sure to sweeten up any dance floor. Tropical Disco Edits boss Sartorial comes in with two jazz funk rollers in "Feel It" and "Electric Lane", with both tracks having his signature sound that just makes you wont to shake your booty! Finally, "Got You the Floor" sees Simon Kennedy team up with Sartorial to produce a classic groovin Tropical Disco track - a real favourite with in the Tropical Disco family!

Volume 3 from the hugely popular Tropical Disco camp… 4 killer disco gems lovingly tweaked, treated & re-grooved, all carefully constructed for discerning dancers to devour!