Nicola Conte once again expands the boundaries of his creativity through a fresh partnership with fellow Bari-based producer and DJ Nico Lahs.

A prolific and innovative force in Italy’s underground scene, Lahs joins Conte on Schema following a string of acclaimed releases for respected labels such as Kai Alcé’s NDATL Muzik, Moods & Grooves, Local Talk, and Delusions of Grandeur. His remixes for artists like Alton Miller, Amp Fiddler and Vincent Floyd, alongside a busy international touring schedule, have brought him to the DJ booths of some of the world’s most revered underground clubs.

It’s no wonder that two of Bari’s most forward-thinking artists, Nicola Conte and Nico Lahs, have joined forces—Lahs’ trajectory through the world of underground dance music naturally converges with Conte’s boundary-pushing artistry. Their artistic synergy—blending leftfield dance music with organic, live instrumentation—is poised to turn heads in 2025.

Stylistically, Tema Due is defined by a sophisticated, elegant approach to dance music, tailor-made for discerning club environments. Anchored in Afro-jazz percussion, the sound naturally evolves into electronic territory through an irresistible groove. The compositions are richly layered yet deceptively simple: on “Macumba De Oxalà”—whose title alone evokes trance-like states and cathartic release—voices and instruments gradually emerge, each at their own pace, building toward an increasingly hypnotic and immersive crescendo.

“La Danse De L’Esprit” unfolds in a similar fashion and features four special guests who bring an exotic, textured feel to the track: Dario Bassolino on electric piano, Magnus Lindgren on flute, Abdissa Assefa on percussion, and Lalin St. Juste on vocals.

This “EP1” is just the beginning. A second 12” and a full-length double LP are set to follow by autumn-glistening gems for lovers of the most refined electronic Afro-jazz for the dancefloor.

Macumba De Oxalà

Stream / Download

A. Macumba De Oxalà

La Danse De L'Esprit

B. La Danse De L'Esprit (feat. Lalin St. Juste)

Nicola Conte & Nico Lahs return with their eagerly awaited second EP, continuing the musical journey they began with their acclaimed 12” Macumba de Oxalà / La Danse De L’Esprit.

This new release confirms the creative synergy between two producers who speak the same musical language: a refined blend of spiritual jazz, Afro-American rhythms and electronic sensibility, designed for the most eclectic and sophisticated dancefloors. The Tema Due project is aimed at a refined club scene, attentive to the depth and purpose of sound. Once again, Conte and Lahs are turning the dance floor into a ritual space, where body and spirit move in harmony in a musical language that not only entertains but also elevates.

In this “EP2”, Nicola Conte and Nico Lahs collaborate for the first time with the talented young Brazilian percussionist Gabriel Prado and consolidate their long-standing partnership with pianist Pietro Lusso, who plays a fundamental role in shaping the musical identity of this work. Among the tracks, “Share Your Love” stands out in particular, interpreted by Brazilian singer Nina Miranda, who brings emotional depth to a track that talks about peace, sharing and love between peoples, and is enriched by the participation of Giovanni Guidi on Fender Rhodes and synths.

“EP2” precedes the release of Tema Due’s full-length album, which is currently taking shape – a work that promises to further consolidate the duo’s shared vision, expanding their conceptual and sonic scope. To crown this creative cycle, the album will also be followed by a third EP with additional unreleased tracks, symbolically closing a trilogy of sound and vision. A coherent, intense and uncompromising musical journey, where club culture meets spirituality and artistic exploration.

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