Mordechai Remixes

One to Remember (Forget Me Nots Dub)

“Watch out for a great singer from New Zealand called Arjuna Oakes” - Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio 6 Music)

Motel is a song about feeling stuck in life but using that pent up energy to propel yourself into the future. 

"The imagery of being stuck in a shitty motel room just felt like it resonated well. I wanted the groove to feel relentless, and the psychedelic production to hint at the darker themes at play."

The deeply infectious drive of this sleazy and delirious beat, dressed up in the false luxury of fender rhodes and glistening synths is hard to put down - and then comes the twist in the tail. 

"I had recorded a demo years ago and ended up using the vocal take from it because it had a rawness that I loved. We went into the studio to record drums and bass live."

"The second half of the song is my homage to D'Angelo and the Soulquarians who've been a big influence on me. It features some incredible kiwi musicians including Sam Notman on drums, Harrison Scholes on bass, Jo Jenkins on guitar and James Macewan on Trumpet."

Arjuna Oakes is an accomplished singer/songwriter, pianist, composer and producer from New Zealand, currently based in London. Following the release of his debut EP ‘The Watcher’ in 2019, Arjuna has released another six projects all to widespread acclaim. Two EP's ‘First Nights’ and ‘Final Days’ are a collaboration with longtime friend and co-producer Serebii, released by LA-based record label Innovative Leisure (BADBADNOTGOOD, Allah-Las). First Nights debuted at #5 on KCRW's top 30 Albums chart and has had extensive play on BBC6 and BBC1xtra.

Arjuna Oakes' first release on Albert's Favourites is a heady and confident statement that we're sure is going to leave people very excited for what's to come.

Motel

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Arjuna Oakes - Motel

Who We Are, Becoming

Rooted (feat. Paix & Emilie Boyd)

This one was an unexpected treat. Two of our favourite contemporary musicians, Finn Rees & Sholto coming together and collaborating on a double dose of celestial, cinematic alchemy.

At Mr Bongo we are massive admirers of drummer, musician, and producer Sholto (Oscar Robertson). His two albums on Funk Night Records and DeepMatter Records, had both been highlights of their respective years. We’d gotten to know Oscar and sent him a few records. Included in the package was Australian pianist-composer Finn Rees’ debut album, Dawn Is A Melody, which was one of our favourite releases on Mr Bongo in 2024.

In Oscar's words 'For me it was a standout modern jazz record - encapsulating a spiritual / hazy dreamy soundscape which hugely resonated with me. Glissando keys and harp with lush melodies, I was instantly intrigued.”  

The pair started following each other online and as luck would have it, Finn was staying in London for the summer season, so they arranged to meet. The pair instantly clicked and said it felt like they'd known each other for years. After 40 minutes of chatting, they started to jam. 

'Love In Memory' and 'Bluebell' were recorded over two days - a track a day in Oscar's SFJ studios. Laid down on mostly analogue equipment, the pair utilised Wurlitzer’s, mellotrons, and ribbon mics through Oscar’s ‘70s Studer desk. Composed and crafted without any real intentions, other than a shared appreciation for the same style of music and approach, the tracks started to take shape. The results were as lush, nostalgic and textured as you’d expect from these two brilliant musicians, with a classical feel inspired by artists such as Piero Piccioni, Piero Umiliani, and Henry Mancini. 

For the beautiful string arrangements, the pair recruited the talents of Sholto's long-time friend and collaborator Clementine Brown (Penguin Cafe Orchestra) and Matthew Hayes of 30/70, Allysha Joy, Xpress Point, Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange fame, was brought in to play bass on 'Bluebell'.

So here we have it, a chance collaborative project built on two musicians' mutual respect for each other's outputs. The result is truly breathtaking.


Finn Rees & Sholto - Love In Memory

甘く危険な呼吸

Movin in time

English:
An 80s-inspired fusion of Arabic rhythm, European melody, and American cinematic sound. YOU My ❤️ aRaBiC DeLuXe 80s brings together nostalgic synths, romantic grooves, and Middle Eastern soul — a musical journey across borders and generations. Every track glows with love, memory, and motion — an 8D experience that connects East and West through sound.

العربية:
ألبوم يجمع بين أنغام الثمانينات الكلاسيكية والإيقاعات العربية واللمسة الأوروبية والأمريكية.
YOU My ❤️ aRaBiC DeLuXe 80s رحلة موسيقية تعبر الحدود والأجيال — تمزج بين الإحساس والرومانسية والحنين بأسلوب سينمائي حديث.


Laying On The Sofa (Mark Kamins Remix)

Isabelle Antena

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