https://soundcloud.com/holy-strays - Spirals Ep [KTW012] 
W/ Frànçois Atlas, GLITTERڭليثر٥٥, Boubacar Cissokho & Stranded Horse
Mastered by Paulie Jan at Agit Prop Studio

'Spirals' is a series of electronic improvisations initiated by Sébastien Forrester in Essaouira late june 2019, while the Paris-based, Franco-British musician was performing with Frànçois & the Atlas Mountains and Maâlem Saïd Boulhimas as part of a residency at l'Institut Français. 
Deeply moved by the intensity and intricacy of the traditional Gnawa ritual, also known as lila, and the shady mystics surrounding its existence, Forrester tried to capture that special, stupendous energy with no other intention than archiving spontaneous sonic memories. 
It is only after Vincent Leibovitz, Kowtow Records' founder and curator, heard the sketches, that the idea of completing the pieces and releasing them properly first came to their mind.

Presented as pure sound impressions, the so-called 'Spirals' do not aim at mimicing Gnawa music in any sort of way, but try to draw from its complex and relentless rhythmic schemes as a tribute to its immense mediation power. Built on a dying laptop with nothing more than a pair of headphones, very often outside, alone at night, the seven tracks roll out as fugitive dreams, somewhere between frenetic trance-inducing soundscapes à la Lorenzo Senni and lush atmospherics, sometimes reminding of James Holden's Gnawa-infused modular experiments. FM synthesizers echo the guembri, hypnotic basslines meet ambient rave tropes and impromptu field recordings: most percussion sound were indeed made out of on-the-fly iPhone recordings of rock noises, claps and snaps...

Only afterwards were added vocal arrangements and instrumental contributions by super talented friends who all happen to have strong links with different forms traditional music: Frànçois Atlas drops his signature guitar sound and future folk vocal textures on 'Spiral Line', Paris-based Moroccan DJ and vocalist GLITTERڭليثر٥٥ reinvents a popular Gnawa chant on 'Spiral Column' while Dakar-based griot and renowned kora player Boubacar Cissokho and Normandy-based singer-songwriter Yann Tambour, also known as Stranded Horse, lay elegant and timeless kora lines on top of 'Spiral 34-52' and 'Spiral Motion'.

Mastered by Paulie Jan at Agit Prop Studio (Mind Records, PRR! PRR!, Gravats, Le Turc Mécanique...), 'Spirals' is out april 3rd on Kowtow Records.

Sébastien Forrester - Spirals Ep [KTW012]

Having previously released selected retrospectives focused on the musical output of Ryo Kawasaki and Joan Bibiloni, NuNorthern Soul has now turned its attention to the vast back catalogue of Jasper Van’t Hof’s pioneering electro-acoustic, Afro-fusion collective, ‘Pili Pili’. Best known to Balearic DJs and listeners for the epic title track from 1984 debut album ‘Pili Pili’ – a track reissued by NuNorthern Soul in 2024 with a fresh re-edit by label regulars Coyote – the European-African collective became world-renowned not just for the unique, cross-cultural sound of their songs and instrumentals, but also the dynamism of their freewheeling, partly improvised live performances.

The band was established in 1984 by Van’t Hof, a Dutch pianist who began his career in Europe’s jazz scene of the late 1960s, as a way of combining his love of jazz-fusion and the music of North-West Africa. Van’t Hof already had a reputation for combining roles in traditional jazz combos with more experimental and abstract projects. These included a spell in violinist Jean-Luc Ponty’s first band, years spent masterminding the jazz-rock outfit called Jasper Van’t Hof’s Porkpie, the recording of an all-electronic album (1982’s Visitors), and a celebrated collaborative live album with the great Archie Shepp, Mama Rose. ‘Pili Pili’, though, was another step forward for Van’t Hof. Working with percussionists and vocalists from Benin and Mali (including the now legendary Angelique Kidou) and a string of adventurous jazz soloists (saxophonist Tony Lakoto and trumpeter Annie Whitehead included), Van’t Hof’s collective frequently combined live and programmed percussion, electronic and acoustic instrumentation, and the talented improvisor’s own memorable melodies and impactful solos.

NuNorthern Soul’s retrospective focuses on the most productive and celebrated period of ‘Pili Pili’s near three-decade history, showcasing tracks originally recorded and released on studio albums released between 1984 and 2002. The six tracks on show offer an essential glimpse into the musical gold to be found across the ‘Pili Pili’ catalogue. It begins with the infectious energy and restless percussion of ‘Ile’, an Afro-fusion-meets-electro-rock masterpiece from the band’s 1984 debut, and ends with the ultra-deep bass, gentle acoustic guitars, colourful synths and melodious kalimba sounds of 2002’s ‘Soubatcha’. In between, you’ll find the synth-pop-infused, electric guitar-sporting joy of ‘Jakko Jakko’ (1987), the stripped-back and drum focused ‘Life Size’ (also 1987), the jaunty bliss of ‘Hippo Hips’ (1992), and the cowbell-powered Afro-jazz-fusion brilliance of 1985’s ‘My Gongoma’.

In keeping with NuNorthern Soul’s previous retrospectives, the vinyl version of ‘Selected Works 1984-2002’ comes with extended liner notes telling the remarkable story of this most unusual of cross-cultural collaborations. These feature extensive quotes, reflections and memories from Jasper Van’t Hof and were written by music historian Matt Anniss. Artwork by Chris Maude.



BUY on BANDCAMP

PREMIERE : Jasper Van't Hof's Pili Pili - Hippo Hips

We're thrilled to unveil NECTAR VOL.1, the debut compilation from our new sub-label NECTAR 🍯
Born as a natural extension of DANS LA ZONE, NECTAR explores a more introspective dimension of club music — emotional, progressive, and deeply personal. This project brings together 10 producers who share our vision of blurring genre boundaries and pushing the sound forward.
From delicate textures to peak-time, NECTAR VOL.1 showcases a spectrum of forward-thinking club music: melodic breaks, progressive house, Trancy influences, and everything in between. Each track feels intimate yet designed for the dancefloor, reflecting the emotional depth we've always championed.


ABOUT THE SPUNOFF TRACK : 

El Sol Me Sigue was born from a simple moment: a sunny evening, my girlfriend by my side, and this ‘poolside’ instrumental track that had been sitting on my computer for a few weeks.
I challenged her to have some fun with the microphone. She accepted, shyly, a little hesitantly, but she quickly got into it. We ended up finding that perfect balance, a sweet and spontaneous track that captures the warmth and intimacy of that sunny, cute moment.

Artist : 
https://www.instagram.com/spunoff/
https://soundcloud.com/spunoff

Label : 
https://www.instagram.com/wearedanslazone/
https://soundcloud.com/danslazone



PREMIERE : SpunOff - El Sol Me Sigue

We're thrilled to unveil NECTAR VOL.1, the debut compilation from our new sub-label NECTAR 🍯
Born as a natural extension of DANS LA ZONE, NECTAR explores a more introspective dimension of club music — emotional, progressive, and deeply personal. This project brings together 10 producers who share our vision of blurring genre boundaries and pushing the sound forward.
From delicate textures to peak-time, NECTAR VOL.1 showcases a spectrum of forward-thinking club music: melodic breaks, progressive house, Trancy influences, and everything in between. Each track feels intimate yet designed for the dancefloor, reflecting the emotional depth we've always championed.
ABOUT THE FF TRACK :
The track unfolds as a cosmic organism, breathing through shimmering layers and organic pulses that feel unearthed rather than produced. A slow, magnetic expansion that anchors Nectar in a deeper, more astral dimension.

Artist : 
https://www.instagram.com/ffofopal/
https://soundcloud.com/ffchina

Label : 
https://www.instagram.com/wearedanslazone/
https://soundcloud.com/danslazone


PREMIERE : FF - Deeper Drunker

Hot off a now sold-out 7" maiden voyage straight from Germany’s Black Forest, Kibbi Gibbon swung back around to the Star Creature HQ with an album’s worth of likeminded galactic relaxation techniques. U.F.O. out of gas? Their debut LP's seven slabs of DX 7, Prophet 8 and Fender-fuelled space funk instrumentals landed somewhere in between an Ibizan beachfront and a Mario Kart character selection screen, but can also be found here, beamed to you with determination and care. Limited to 300 copies so don't sleep.
Kibbi Gibbon is a studio project created deep within Germany's Black Forrest with a goal of producing chill Balearic-esque, spaced-out jazz-funk, synth-boogie hybrid tunes. The main producer and instrumentalist is Georgy Whistler, a known figure in the head-nod underground Deutschlandic hip hop scene. Over the past 10 years, Whistler has produced and recorded albums with wide range of European collaborators lending his trademark downtempo touch to many records. Whistler taps up DJ associate La Bananasenza and saxophonist Marco Podobnik to round out the studio band. 
Though much of what’s hitting the global scene out of Germany these days favours the trending sounds of Berlin, Kibbi’s music is quite the opposite – both in sound and locale – hailing from the opposite side of the country; Freiburg Im Breisgau, the furthest domestic city from the techno Mecca. Despite being landlocked smack dab in the middle of Europe, this fresh new outfit promises to deliver us a Balearic breath of fresh air that fits perfectly within the Star Creature contemplative instrumental funk scene. Perfect vibes for the Italian or Portuguese Coasts, late night soirees in San Sebastian or moonlit soundscapes at Falassarna Beach

PREMIERE : Kibbi Gibbon - It's All Good

Rose Robinson aka Tigerbalm takes another step towards her hotly anticipated sophomore album ‘Bubblegum Discos’ with the sun-soaked tropical nu-disco fusion of ‘Pura Vida’, featuring London-based singer-songwriter Andre Espeut. ‘Bubblegum Discos’, set for release in the spring of 2026, sees Robinson further develop her trademark kaleidoscopic global fusion – a colourful and vibrant mixture of synth-powered disco and boogie combined with rhythms and instrumentation shot through with references to musical cultures from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Expressly inspired by Robinson’s desire to showcase her love for Afro-Latin disco, the album boasts contributions from an eye-catching range of collaborators and guest vocalists.

Andre Espeut, a recognisable voice within the nu-disco scene thanks to his work with Situation, Ilya Rudman, Los Charly’s Orchestra & Juan Laya and Jorge Montiel, makes his presence felt on ‘Pura Vida’, a song inspired by Robinson’s experiences DJing and dancing under the stars at secret events held on small islands around Europe. Espeut wrote and delivered the lyrics in Lingala, a ‘lingua franca’ best-known for being the official language of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learning the language through his experiences performing with London Afrobeat/Afro-Electronica fusionists Afriquoi, Espeut’s lyrics explore “the rhythm of connection” found when we “move together under one sun”. Espeut says he wanted to capture “that moment when you realise that we’re holding each other up, even when we don’t see it”.

Combine this all with Robinson’s inspired musical backdrop – a tropical disco vision informed by Soca and South American rhythms – and you have something genuinely special: a Lingala anthem for mutual connection, learning and shared experiences, whose composition pays tribute to a similarly minded annual island retreat. Rich in musical details, from intricately programmed percussion and flashes of sun-soaked guitar to vibrant synth sounds, mazy organ solos and Tango style accordion flashes, ‘Pura Vida’ is another strong single from the fast-rising Robinson.

Alongside her original mix and instrumental, we’re treated to a pair of club-ready remixes by Razor-N-Tape co-founder JKriv. Nailing the brief, the Brooklyn-based DJ & producer reaches for a tougher, percussion-laden Afro-disco rhythm onto which he adds choice elements of Robinson’s original production, from ear-catching synth flashes and undulating organ motifs, to glistening tropical disco guitars and captivating bassline. Infectious, summery, and celebratory, JKriv’s mix is presented in both full vocal and instrumental forms.

PREMIERE : Tigerbalm - Pura Vida

Having previously released selected retrospectives focused on the musical output of Ryo Kawasaki and Joan Bibiloni, NuNorthern Soul has now turned its attention to the vast back catalogue of Jasper Van’t Hof’s pioneering electro-acoustic, Afro-fusion collective, ‘Pili Pili’. Best known to Balearic DJs and listeners for the epic title track from 1984 debut album ‘Pili Pili’ – a track reissued by NuNorthern Soul in 2024 with a fresh re-edit by label regulars Coyote – the European-African collective became world-renowned not just for the unique, cross-cultural sound of their songs and instrumentals, but also the dynamism of their freewheeling, partly improvised live performances.

The band was established in 1984 by Van’t Hof, a Dutch pianist who began his career in Europe’s jazz scene of the late 1960s, as a way of combining his love of jazz-fusion and the music of North-West Africa. Van’t Hof already had a reputation for combining roles in traditional jazz combos with more experimental and abstract projects. These included a spell in violinist Jean-Luc Ponty’s first band, years spent masterminding the jazz-rock outfit called Jasper Van’t Hof’s Porkpie, the recording of an all-electronic album (1982’s Visitors), and a celebrated collaborative live album with the great Archie Shepp, Mama Rose. ‘Pili Pili’, though, was another step forward for Van’t Hof. Working with percussionists and vocalists from Benin and Mali (including the now legendary Angelique Kidou) and a string of adventurous jazz soloists (saxophonist Tony Lakoto and trumpeter Annie Whitehead included), Van’t Hof’s collective frequently combined live and programmed percussion, electronic and acoustic instrumentation, and the talented improvisor’s own memorable melodies and impactful solos.

NuNorthern Soul’s retrospective focuses on the most productive and celebrated period of ‘Pili Pili’s near three-decade history, showcasing tracks originally recorded and released on studio albums released between 1984 and 2002. The six tracks on show offer an essential glimpse into the musical gold to be found across the ‘Pili Pili’ catalogue. It begins with the infectious energy and restless percussion of ‘Ile’, an Afro-fusion-meets-electro-rock masterpiece from the band’s 1984 debut, and ends with the ultra-deep bass, gentle acoustic guitars, colourful synths and melodious kalimba sounds of 2002’s ‘Soubatcha’. In between, you’ll find the synth-pop-infused, electric guitar-sporting joy of ‘Jakko Jakko’ (1987), the stripped-back and drum focused ‘Life Size’ (also 1987), the jaunty bliss of ‘Hippo Hips’ (1992), and the cowbell-powered Afro-jazz-fusion brilliance of 1985’s ‘My Gongoma’.

In keeping with NuNorthern Soul’s previous retrospectives, the vinyl version of ‘Selected Works 1984-2002’ comes with extended liner notes telling the remarkable story of this most unusual of cross-cultural collaborations. These feature extensive quotes, reflections and memories from Jasper Van’t Hof and were written by music historian Matt Anniss. Artwork by Chris Maude.

PREMIERE : Jasper Van't Hof's Pili Pili - My Gongoma

This release captures the essence of the Chicken Town label's sound: punk-edged spoken word laid over a genre-blurring electronic backdrop, upbeat, irreverent, and full of attitude. It lands somewhere between Eliezer and Underworld, delivering a bold, driving energy that feels both huge and unmistakably thematic. Early support from Amine Edge & Dance, Paco Osuna, Ruben Mandolini, Don Diablo, Ilario Alicante, Themba, Quentin Harris, Groove Terminator.

BUY on BEATPORT

PREMIERE : Eliezer - Chicken Town (Basement Extended Mix)

Real005 finds Realisat doubling down on its off-kilter Micro House idea. Featuring Flo & Oli, Gericom and Minimal Drumatrix Advanced, behind the aliases sit Bistong, Florian No, Discjackson and label founder Stephan Hoellermann, all orbiting the same former studio in Austria that now exists in spirit near Brighton, UK. You can hear that history in the room: close, dusty and quietly different.

“Already There” is the most groovy dancefloor moment, a loping rhythm built from small, twitchy details. The drums are clipped, the bassline moves rather than strides, and the whole thing feels like it might fall apart without ever actually doing so. Gericom’s “MHz” works in the application of negative space, a huge bass drum pulse where percussive flicks and filtered fragments do as much as any obvious hook. It plays like a DJ tool, but one that smuggles in its own personality.

“In The House” by Minimal Drumatrix Advanced leans into the label’s love of difference. The mix feels tactile, with tape-saturated drums and a bass figure that nudges the track slightly out of the ordinary in a pleasing way. Nothing here chases big breakdowns or clean lines; the focus is on human feel. This whole record harbours a sense of shared experiments committed to tape.

In keeping with Realisat’s loose schedule and ethos, Real005 is a small, functional record that rewards DJs who like their House a little bit dirty.

Artist Quote - "Our music is the result of pure human creativity and we like imperfections without artificially creating it"

Artist Social Links:

https://soundcloud.com/bistong
https://www.discogs.com/artist/1775644-Discjackson
https://stephanhoellermann.com

Label Social Links:

https://realisat.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@realisat
https://www.realisat.com


PREMIERE : Minimal Drumatrix Advanced - In The House

The Nan’in Path EP” brings to light two unreleased pieces from 2022 and 2023. Tracks born from a quiet, spiritual undercurrent and recently completed after a stay at Nan’in Temple in Koyasan (Japan), where I had the chance to share a few peaceful days with Buddhist monks.

“The Nan’in Path” is a hypnotic club-driven journey crafted with analog drum machines and carried by a Buddhist sutra that flows like a mantra through the track.

“Something Ethereal” offers a moment of air between the noise of everyday life: an experimental, soul-lifting piece produced entirely on a Roland MC-505.

A small release shaped by time, silence and a bit of dust finally brushed off. Hope it resonates.

PREMIERE : Fon Smith - The Nan'in Path

For the second year in a row, Vief Records is raising funds for Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Voted for by those involved in the project, Palestine Solidarity Campaign is a community of people working together for peace, equality, and justice. Together, they are the biggest organisation in the UK dedicated to securing Palestinian human rights.
 
Their crucial work involves placing pressure on the British Government, which despite a change in ruling party last year, has made no material effort to end its complicity in Israel’s genocide. Public opinion against Israel and its actions continues to grow– and this would not be possible without the tireless efforts of groups like Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
 
Vief’s compilation comprises 15 tracks from artists based across five continents, showcasing the very best the world of leftfield techno has to offer.

https://www.instagram.com/vief_records/
https://soundcloud.com/viefrecords

PREMIERE : Ghadimi - Ripper Doc

Spiral

Sebastien Forrester - Spiral Shriek

Sebastien Forrester - Spiral 34 - 52

Sébastien Forrester, 'Spiral Line (feat. Frànçois Atlas)' (2020). Courtesy KOWTOW Records, Paris.

Read more about Sébastien Forrester's forthcoming EP 'Spirals', on CxC: couvrexchefs.com/sebastien-forrester-spiral-column-glitter-kowtow

Read article

[PREMIERE] Sébastien Forrester - Spiral Column (feat. GLITTERڭليثر٥٥) [Kowtow Records]

buy there : http://smarturl.it/spiralsep

After a trilogy of percussive club-ready EP’s on his own label Afraa Productions last year, Paris-based Franco-British composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Sébastien Forrester is back with a new project on Kowtow Records. Heavily inspired by the intricacy and unique energy of the Gwana ritual, Sébastien explores a new intersection between contemporary electronic music and the ancestral rhythms of traditional Gnawa chants on his ‘SPIRALS’ EP. 

Equally at ease making club music as he is building tense, misty soundscapes or producing for rappers and pop artists, Sébastien Forrester has always held a deep passion and appreciation for traditional folk music. His very first encounter with music and percussion as a child, whilst living with his family in Gabon, was indeed the Bwiti ritual drums. Feeling deeply moved by the intensity of the traditional Gnawa ritual and the shady mystics surrounding its existence, Sébastien has sought to capture the special, stupendous energy of the ritual across the forthcoming EP. 

Recorded during his trip to Essaouira and Agadir, Morocco last year, whilst performing as part of a residency with l'Institut Français, alongside Frànçois Atlas and Maâlem Saïd Boulhimas, ‘SPIRALS’ EP forms a sonic travel diary that brings together a series of electronic improvisations initiated by Sébastien. Across the EP, Sébastien does not seek to mimic Gnawa music, but instead draws from its complex and relentless rhythmic patterns as a tribute to its immense meditational power. Put together on a dying laptop, very often outside in the open air, with nothing more than a pair of headphones, the seven tracks roll out as fugitive dreams. 

Sitting somewhere between frenetic trance-inducing soundscapes and lush atmospherics, across the EP, we find a marriage of hypnotic basslines and ambient rave elements. FM synthesizers echo the sound of the Guembri string instrument, whilst impromptu field recordings form most of the percussive sounds with on-the-fly iPhone recordings of claps, snaps and rocks thrown together. 

Teaming up with talented friends who also have strong links with different forms of traditional music, we find added vocal arrangements and instrumental contributions from Frànçois Atlas (of Frànçois & The Atlas Mountains) who drops his signature guitar sound and future folk vocal textures on ‘Spiral Line’. Alongside, Paris-based Moroccan DJ and vocalist GLITTER, reinvents a popular Gnawa chant on ‘Spiral Column’ whilst Dakar-based griot and renowned kora player, Boubacar Cissokho and the Normandy-based Boubacar Cissokho, lay elegant and timeless kora lines on ‘Spiral 34-52’ and ‘Spiral Motion’.
 
Altogether, ‘SPIRALS’ EP is the natural convergence of two distant worlds, reconnected through the vision, passion and respect of Sébastien Forrester. A singular musical experience that sees contemporary electronics meet the flux and waving rhythms of the Gnawa ritual. The unique syncopation and constant movement of rhythm across the EP proves both eminently soothing and dancefloor-friendly.

Spirals

LISTEN ON YOUTUBE

PREMIERE : Sébastien Forrester - Spiral 17-22

Dj Booking & Inquiries : lesyeuxorange@gmail.com

Next ==> 13/09@ La  Rotonde Stalingrad, Paris
               26/09@ Burger Disco Club, Athens 
               27/09@ Rokfor, Patras
               04/10@ La Démarrante, Annecy
               18/10@ Boom Boom Villette
               31/10@ La Rotonde Stalingrad
               13/12@ La Rotonde Stalingrad


Past Gigs : 
Paris => Cabaret Sauvage, Trabendo, Rex Club, Badaboum, La Java, Mazette, La Machine du Moulin Rouge, La Prairie Du Canal, Petit Bain, Nexus, La Madrague Festival, Palais de Tokyo, La Rotonde Stalingrad, Silencio, ZigZag, La Clairiere, Wanderlust, Nuits Fauves, Double Vie, Pamela, Virage,  Le Monseigneur etc...

France => Calvi On The Rocks, Cabourg Mon Amour, We Love Green, Sarcus Festival, Tres cool Festival-Deauville, Highfive Festival-Annecy, Briques Rouges Festival-Lille, Bains Numeriques Festival-Enghien, Macadam Nantes x2, Lieu Unique Nantes, Le Sucre Lyon x3, Le Terminal Lyon, Le Petit Salon Lyon, Iboat Bordeaux x3, Chapiteau Marseille, 1988 Live Club Rennes, Gare Saint Sauveur Lille x2, Ostra Nancy, Grenoble Campus, La Bobine Grenoble, Angers, Nuit Blanche Saint Denis etcetc...

Europe => London x4 , Manchester x3, Leeds x2, Edinburgh, Berlin x3, Hamburg, Freiburg, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Stockholm x2, Copenhagen, Geneve x4, Lausanne, Neuchatel, Zurich x4, Bern, Lucern, Madrid x2, Ronda, Barcelona x3, Porto, Prague, Skopje, Milan, Rome, Liege, Istanbul, Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest x2, Vilnius x2, Palanga, Belgrade, Zagreb, Warsaw, Saint Petersburg, Moscow etc...
RoTW ==> Mexico City x2, Guadalajara, Leon, Merida, San Miguel De Allende, Queretaro etc...

Paris based publisher focusing on picturesque adventurous electronic music

https://soundcloud.com/alexandrebazin
https://soundcloud.com/varieras
https://soundcloud.com/monolithenoir
https://soundcloud.com/malvinameinier
https://soundcloud.com/penelopeantena
https://soundcloud.com/synthomas-synthomas
https://soundcloud.com/holy-strays
https://soundcloud.com/palparallax

PREMIERE : Sébastien Forrester - Spiral 17-22

Les Yeux Orange

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