The Edge of Afrobeat

Through The Dappled Dell

Spirit Waltz

Spicy Boom Boom

Balazurka

So Close to You / Reincarnation

Reincarnation

Jeb Loy

I Just Can't Stop

Xogo

Rumba Morena (feat. Barilla Sisters)

Gusto

Gusto (feat. Charlie Hunter)

Tech Yes

Analog tropicalista Alex Figueira returns to the aesthetics of early Fumaça Preta on “Maracas”, an otherworldly fusion of propulsive funk, tropical energy, berimbau and wobbling acid.

Fronting an essential 45, forthcoming on Music With Soul, Alex describes “Maracas” as “in-your-face acid macumba techno breakbeat funk freakout”.  Furthermore it serves as the main theme of the movie “Maracas, Tambourines And Other Hellish Things” directed by fellow record nerds Matteo Fava and Dave Potsma.

They convinced Figueira to play the main character, and eventually to record the complete music score too. The movie tells the story of a struggling underground musician / part time record store clerk, whose music career is going nowhere until an improbable encounter gives his life a dramatic turn. The movie will see release later this year. 

The characteristic mix of synthesizers and heavy percussion used by Figueira in almost all his projects, gains here a somewhat freer dimension, without ever neglecting the groove or rhythm. 

Whilst playing all the instruments himself, Figueira undoubtedly recaptures the uncontrollable energy and tropical psychedelic spirit of his acclaimed former band, Fumaça Preta.

"Maracas" is released digitally later this week, and on 7" vinyl on May 21, backed by a mysterious B-Side featuring Maddie Ruthless of The Far East.  That 45 you'll be able to find on the Music With Soul store on Bandcamp, Rush Hour, and other good stores.

Bandcamp

Exclusive Premiere: Alex Figueira "Maracas" (Forthcoming on Music With Soul)

Burning Plain

'Precious' evolved from a beat. The wild rhythm came to me as a groove which I beatboxed into my iPhone. I then demoed a version at home which kept me rockin for months. During sessions in early 2019 with Roots producer Rick Frederick and Philadelphia music legend Chuck Treece (Billy Joel, G-Love, Bad Brains) the song evolved into its current form. It's an example of the current state of my evolution, danceable, funky and fun, combined with something deeper and vulnerable. Video release 05.14.

Precious

Chicken No Dey Fly

Chicken No Dey Fly (feat. Franz Von)

You'll Survive

You'll Survive (feat. Amp Fiddler & MIchael "Kidd Funkadelic" Hampton)

Journey

Call My Name

Nafs at Peace

Nafs at Peace (feat. Latarnik & Tenderlonious)

Haditouni (Habibi Funk 015)

Haditouni

RE: Crates  is  a 7” vinyl series of reinterpreted tracks dug from the stacks of the Open Crates artist collective.

Issue 001 from crew member & multi-instrumentalist Pat Van Dyke reinterprets the Bee Gees underground favorite, "Love You Inside & Out" with sweet vocals from Melinda Camille and cuts from Brooklyn’s DJ MentPlus.

Each release will be inspired by a personal encounter shared amongst the Open Crates crew.

It’s our way of sharing a small piece of our vibe with the world … through the beats.

Vinyl and digital downloads available on Bandcamp at http://bit.ly/pvdrecratesSC

The Edge of Afrobeat

Brave.new.world