Today's premiere comes from Detroit's John Beltran, one of the most respected figures in electronic music, with a catalogue of key releases spreading across three decades.

The past 3 decades or so have seen many electronic music artists come and go, but one name who has certainly established many spaces within this endless spectrum is Detroit producer John Beltran, and his accomplishments as a music maker and sonic visionary are there for all to see. Beltran’s journey and audial narrative read out beautifully through the records he released, whilsy chapter 1 seeped in the traditions of Detroit Techno, chapter 2 and beyond have seen him operate in a wide variety of musical circles. His sound is one of constant evolution, one that has seen him experiment constantly within differing genres over the years, with his peers and audiences always left dazzled by the sheer scale and intricacies of his works. Alongside this, there is a distinctive harmony between man, machine and instrumentalism within his music, with the soul at the core of it all laid bare as it enriches the minds and hearts of those who come across it - an enchanting embrace that pairs raw undulating rhythm with tear jerking melodies.

Beltran’s musical outputs have come about via a handful of aliases, with his most significant being Placid Angles, the group Indio (which also includes Sam McQueen) and of course, the music released under his own name. The Placid Angles name has seen some extraordinary releases, such as 1997’s iconic ‘The Cry’; 2019’s ‘First Blue Sky’; and 2021’s ‘Touch The Earth’, all of which encapsulate his wide reaching style, with the music touching on Techno, Ambient, Drum’N’Bass, Breakbeat and everything in-between. His work with McQueen as Indio oversaw the release of the timeless 1999 self-titled LP, an Ambient Techno record that has since gone on to be heralded as a classic within the genre. However, his work as John Beltran has seen the most investment and shifts in direction. From the early days releasing on seminal imprints such as R&S, Peacefrog and Apollo (check his first three LPs for reference), through to future jazz and funky leaning efforts on Ubiquity and MotorCity Wine, and some future classics on Delsin, Furthr Electronix and Seventh Sign, there’s so much there to invest and immerse yourself within.

What comes next is always a beautiful surprise within the story of John Beltran, and with his new EP, ‘Para Viajeros’, we are greeted with vibrations that soothe the soul and transport the mind to some very special places. As always there’s a profound deepness to the music, with Beltran’s love for instrumentation laid bare for all to experience here, with flourishing sequences and airy, dreamlike atmospheres found throughout. Striking the perfect balance between sultry and quietly euphoric grooves and equally emphatic yet rhythmically intricate House leaning numbers, there’s something for everyone here and for all times of the day/night.  "A Dança da Manhã" turns the EP towards the hazy mornings of summertime, where the chordal flow reminds us of the sea breeze and the uplifting horn work points towards the world unravelling all around, a fresh tune to begin a new day.

The full EP, 'Para Viajeros' will see release on June 10 on Oath.

Exclusive Premiere: John Beltran "A Dança da Manhã" (Oath)

SAUL enlist the help of talented friends for their new EP - a feel good, summer-ready soundtrack, bursting with uplifting synths and groove-heavy broken beats

SAUL, is a joint project from the minds of Jack Stephenson-Oliver (keys player of fellow Rhythm Section INTL signee, Vels Trio) and producer Barney Whittaker, aka Footshooter.

With the success of their individual projects - Vels are soon to embark on a tour across the UK and Europe and Footshooter is growing from strength to strength following releases on Astral Black and Dance Regular - it’s exciting to hear what the duo will think up next.
When the two of them get together their jam sessions result in a fusion of jazz and broken beat. Atmospheric keys and synths interweave with programmed drums, laying the perfect ground for the all star cast of featured artists assembled for this record.

Collaboration is a key element to the creative output of SAUL, shining a light over individual and collective talents. Their second release, Mutualism, promises a stellar line-up of musical interaction. In the words of Barney, “the feature performances are all very different, the way they worked on the tracks really brought each one to life in a big way”.
The project starts with the sounds of sunrise. Opening with The Light, is Allysha Joy, a member of another group on Rhythm Section’s roster, 30/70. She crafts uplifting melodies that move gracefully through bouncy Rhodes chords. This track shines with sun-focused energy and up beat grooves that provide the perfect soundtrack for long summer festival days.

On Coalesce, featuring South London MC Natty Wylah, lofty, cloud-like atmospheres are built above classic Moog synths. The hypnotic bass and lead notes are equal parts hopeful, eerie and curious, matching the optimistic promise offered by Wylah’s hook: ‘don’t you want to find somewhere better?’. Subjects flow from party-focused lyrics to poetic streams of consciousness as Natty adopts a dreamy sung delivery by the end of the track.

The Ep comes to a serene close with a feature from ‘aden’ - recipient of the 2021 Fred Perry x Nicholas Daley Music Grant. The early image of sunlight may have faded, but the energetic focus of the project never dies. Swirling synths circle around sharp bass stabs, with a driving bassline taking over into the hook.

Other major features include the unmistakable tone of Lex Amour. During Flowers, her laid back, spoken style is accompanied by a slowed down G-Funk-inspired instrumental. With an illustrious list of collaborators already to her name (such as Kojey Radical, Wulu, George Riley and Ego Ella Mae) and sell out shows across the country, she makes her lyrical prowess evident. Lex effortlessly switches between rhythmical flows to hypnotic layered melodies - elevating the production to another level in the process.
The synergy between producers and vocalists is evident; the collaborations equal far more than the sum of their parts. In ‘Mutualism’ we see Saul’s vision fully come to fruition. The synergy is apparent, the possibilities - endless and the respect - mutual.

Aside from the Vocal guest appearance, Mutualism is also packed with instrumental cameos. SAUL turn to Ezra Collective’s sax player James Mollison on the track Can’t Wait. The seasoned five-piece are set to perform alongside the modern day jazz pioneer Kamasi Washington later this year. Mollison shows his range on this song as energy flows from soaring highs to long sustained lows, allowing a hint of dub influence to come to light.

SAUL’s newest release signals two musicians at the height of their artistic expression, drawing resources and influences from wherever is inspiring them most. This collaborative methodology produces a sound that is constantly evolving, illuminating new faces and sounds with each project that passes.

Mutualism

SAUL - Mutualism EP Preview

I have the whole B-side on Moff & Tarkins latest beautiful release on Lagaffe Tales - which I highly recommend. Not my remix obvs but the Ep as a whole.

One of my absolute favourite producers. I can't help but sharing my version of his absolute slammer 'Socks By The Sofa'.

Get the record here: https://inchbyinch.lnk.to/Lagaffe009

Moff & Tarkin - Socks By The Sofa (Uffes Unreleased Remix)

Joe Kinwu stepped in for this month's episode of Lounging. He ran 120 minutes of alternative hip hop, downtempo, and contemporary jazz selections from the likes Noname, Teebs, and The Pharcyde.

 **For the first time in our 7 year history, we’re asking you, our listeners to help support and build a better Balamii. By subscribing monthly you can contribute to the future of Balamii and help us to continue to nurture our creative community. From as little as £3 a month you'll help cover the cost of generating thousands of hours of great radio and support up and coming artists. As thanks, you’ll receive a code for 20% off our merchandise (code sent 24-48hrs after you subscribe) as well as being the first to hear about our events. Our goal is to develop new features that improve our service and therefore build a better Balamii for our family of artists and listeners.**

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Lounging w/ Joe Kinwu - October 2022

Enveloping ambient textures, propulsive percussion and epic basslines settle alongside each other on "Drops" by Amane, the London-based artist, musical director and producer best known previously for his membership of spiritual jazz ensemble Maisha.  

"Drops" is taken from Amane’s debut release, ‘Moments Of Solace’ via Música Macondo.

Introspective and contemplative from the outset, the EP’s 6 tracks meander between the hypnotic pulse of electronic percussion, nocturnal pads evoking elated epiphanies and calming synths. Echoes that fade and return, ecstatic waves of sound.

For Amane, the music collected on ‘Moments Of Solace’ is the physical answer to a world that seems to become darker every day. A creative way out, a sonic world where ambient excursions à la Boards Of Canada coexist with thumping beats that could have rolled out of a Floating Points’ set at Plastic People.

Amane is an East London based musician, musical director and producer with a career spanning across a wide range of genres and artistry. Over the last several years Amane has served as Musical Director for Jorja Smith, Amaarae, Ego Ella May and Maverick Sabre; performed and filmed sessions with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Anne-Marie, Sigrid, Dermot Kennedy, King Krule and Ata Kak; alongside being a part of the burgeoning London Jazz scene as a member of ensemble, Maisha, whose debut album was released on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label, as well as being part of the genre defining compilation, We Out Here. 

Despite an intensive touring schedule, Amane has been writing and recording his own music which reflects upon the state of the world and invites the listener to create a space in which they can find a brief moment of calmness and escape.

Música Macondo is a London-based independent record label founded by DJ, broadcaster and record collector Tim Garcia. The label's mission is to release timeless music for music lovers worldwide. To cultivate a community that transcends classifications and boundaries. In summary, “Borderless Music”.

Moments Of Solace

Exclusive Premiere: Amane "Drops" (Forthcoming on Música Macondo)

remix nobody wanted

Kiosk Radio is an online community radio streaming 24/7 from a wooden shack in the heart of Brussels’ historic “Parc Royal”. More info and music: https://kioskradio.com



Bass Toast @ Kiosk Radio 31.01.2023

Pinty was joined by Ben Hauke for an hour of soulful house and broken beat cuts, with a performance of their new release.

**For the first time in our 8 year history, we’re asking you, our listeners to help support and build a better Balamii. By subscribing monthly you can contribute to the future of Balamii and help us to continue to nurture our creative community. From as little as £3 a month you'll help cover the cost of generating thousands of hours of great radio and support up and coming artists. As thanks, you’ll receive a code for 20% off our merchandise (code sent 24-48hrs after you subscribe) as well as being the first to hear about our events. Our goal is to develop new features that improve our service and therefore build a better Balamii for our family of artists and listeners.**

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Pinty w/ Ben Hauke - March 2023

Funky Grooves of Yemen - Reggae Infused album is a cross-cultural celebration of rhythm and heritage, where The Jamaica Band’s reggae foundation meets Zafa’s Yemeni folk and funk-inspired grooves. As part of the Reggae Infused series, it blends Jamaica’s pulsating basslines with Yemen’s traditional melodies and percussive energy, creating a soundscape that is both earthy and electrifying.

Funky Grooves of Yemen - Reggae Infused

Yemen - Reggae Soul Radio Edit

Molecules of Melody & Memory

Su Orquesta Y Coro – Reggae Infused by The Jamaica Band vs Carlos Monteiro De Souza brings together the lush arrangements of Monteiro De Souza’s orchestral and choral traditions with the laid‑back pulse of Jamaican reggae. The album layers sweeping strings and vocal harmonies over syncopated basslines and offbeat guitar rhythms, creating a dialogue between classical Latin orchestration and Caribbean groove. The result is a vibrant cross‑cultural fusion where solemn choral passages are reimagined with reggae’s warmth, turning traditional ensemble textures into festive, rhythm‑driven soundscapes.

El Amor Es Todo - Reggae EDM Radio Edit

Rhythm Section - regular dance in South London
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