Jazzanova EP

Bohemian Sunset

Praise Poems, Vol. 8

Welche Farbe Hat Der Wind

Lost Dialect

Odysseus

Soul Keita - Freedom

DJ-Kicks: Quantic

The Mind Is A Palace (Mixed) [feat. bonnie behave]

Whole Other*

Bianca

Early in 2018, the world was introduced to Mildlife through their debut album Phase. Few first releases amass praise from Mojo, The Guardian, BBC 6 Music, The Express, and Shindig, then go on to be celebrated by DJ Mag, Resident Advisor, Worldwide FM, Dummy and Indie Shuffle. But it’s precisely this eclectic mix of genres, tastes, and influences that brought Mildlife together, and what they committed to reflecting in their sound. After a surreal start to 2018, the four-piece completed a sold-out national tour of Australia, and recently announced plans to cross the oceans for their debut Europe and UK tours.

With the release of their debut imminent, Mildlife took retreat at Research Records HQ in Melbourne, staying overnight after recording each morning and afternoon. It resulted in the evolution of the title track, newly imagined and re-contextualised at increased tempo with swathes of improvisation throughout. The studio recording was the culmination of the song’s growth in a live setting, evolving on club stages and at festivals throughout 2017.

Mildlife’s knack for locked-in grooves and celestial tones features heavily across ‘Phase II’, a more than 11-minute sonic journey. Kevin McDowell's synth soars while Adam Halliwell’s growing prowess as a flautist is peppered over James Donald’s shimmering percussion. Shortly after, Tom Shanahan's phased bass appears, and the four lock into a groove that gives a subtle nod to 1960s Krautrock band, Can. It’s not long before ‘Phase II’ erupts into a cosmic jazz-funk that urges you to move. It sucks you in, free of worry and consequence; utterly otherworldly. It’s no surprise that the band has been described as “kaleidoscopic”, “irresistible” and “enchanting”. With Mildlife, you’ll always leave wanting more.

Phase II

Mildlife - Phase II (RREP02)

Track taken from the album 'Gallery Love' out in March 2019 on Apollo Records.
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Written & Conjured by Oso Leone
Recorded at Casa Cosmos, Mallorca 2015-2017.
Produced by Joy Marin.
Mixed by Joy Marin.
Mix engineer, Antoni Noguera.
Mastered by Hay Zeelen.

2018 Apollo Records.
All rights reserved.

Virtual U

Ninja Cuts - Funkjazztical Tricknology

Long Road

Slow Hot Wind-The Outernational Sound-Thievery Corporation (Block 16)

Marilyn - Mount Kimbie ft Micachu (Slowed)

“Mr.Spaven does it again – much more than just rhythm with this man” Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio).

“Richard Spaven is one of the most unique artists in the world. Triple threat drummer, composer, and producer, his voice rings true with clarity and promise. He is the point where jazz meets the world” José James (Blue Note Records).


Prolific drummer Richard Spaven releases his first full length LP, following on from the acclaimed ‘Spaven’s 5ive EP’. This latest record ‘Whole Other*’ showcases the drumming artistry many of us associate with Spaven, combined with his own productions in the realm somewhere between Jazz, Electronica and Soundtracks.

Spaven has supplied the drums for many artists on stage and in the studio - José James, Flying Lotus, The Cinematic Orchestra, Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Gregory Porter to name but a few. Working closely with such a diverse range of artists must bare influence upon Spaven’s own compositions, in which some how the drums bridge the gap between the worlds of jazz and electronic music.

Spaven’s debut release ‘5ive’s EP’ (Jazz Refreshed) in 2010 quietly turned heads. Most recently it featured on best selling video game ‘Grand Theft Auto V’. With a guest appearance by José James on the hypnotic ‘Maz’, the record was seen by some as a jazz record but was also played out loud by many club DJ’s.

‘Whole Other*’ continues the journey. The music is rich and genre defying. Blue Note Trumpeter Takuya Kuroda appears on the record, playing soulfully amongst ragga tinged drums. GTA V collaborators ‘The Hics’ join Spaven on the albums title track ‘Whole Other*’. UK sounds to the fore – James Blake-esque moody vocals meeting Spaven’s edgy broken drums head on. Guitarist Stuart McCallum’s (The Cinematic Orchestra) signature sound is prominent – Spaven has been working with him since their meeting on stage with Cinematic a few years ago and he features throughout the record.

Richard Spaven – ‘Whole Other*’
Released on P-Vine, Japan 04/07/14
R.O.W. distribution by KUDOS 07/07/14
