Collection: New Releases

Originally released in 2014, Strut re-introduces Hardcore Traxx: Dance Mania Records 1986-1997, the highly sought-after definitive retrospective of one of Chicago’s most important and innovative house music labels. Emerging as a raw alternative to the powerhouses of Trax and DJ International during the mid-‘80s, Dance Mania continued to represent street-level Chicago club music into the ‘90s, helping to pioneer the Ghetto House sound. Hardcore Traxx traces the full story of the label from its heyday. Founded in 1985 and managed by Ray Barney, Dance Mania hit the ground running with its second release in ’86, the incendiaryHardcore Jazz EP by Duane & Co. Barney quickly became a trustworthy outlet for early house and acid productions by upcoming Chicago artists such as Lil Louis, Marshall Jefferson and Farley Keithaka Farkey “Jackmaster” Funk. The label set out its stall with a series of landmark Chicago releases including 7 Ways by Hercules, Li’l Louis’ The Original Video Clash, and international smash House Nation by Housemaster Boyz. During the ‘80s, it cemented its reputation for uncompromising club records and DJ Tools with sounds spanning raw garage (Victor Romeo’s Love Will Find A Way), acid trax (Robert Armani) and quality house (Da Posse). Into the ‘90s, Barney unleashed the groundbreaking "Hit It From The Back" by Traxmen and Eric Martin, ushering in a primitive new sound around faster, stripped down rhythms and X-rated party-starting lyric lines. Barney remembers, “Guys used to call in and ask for music on Dance Mania – they were saying, ‘gimme some of that ghetto stuff.’ Dance Mania producer DJ Slugo adds, “when we made Ghetto House… we made music for the bitches. Music for the grinding sh*t and all of that.” The sound spawned a whole new swathe of homegrown producers releasing a fast flow of no-compromise dancefloor bangers: Paul Johnson, DJ Deeon, DJ Funk, DJ Milton, Waxmaster and Slugo all became leaders of the scene. The influence of ghetto house became widespread, not least for Daft Punk, whose track "Teachers" from their Homework album in 1997 was effectively a tribute to Dance Mania. The new wave of productions also paved the way for the later Chicago juke and footwork scene. Today, with the label back up and running courtesy of Ray Barney and Parris Mitchell, Dance Mania remains a revered Chicago institution across dance music. With Hardcore Traxx, Strut traces the history of the label on a definitive compilation for the first time, from the early classics to ghetto house anthems alongside big money rarities and oddities hidden within their substantial catalogue. Produced in association with Dance Mania, the release is compiled by Conor Keeling (DJ behind the popular "Teachers" Daft Punk influences online mix) with help from Miles Simpson of Ransom Note. Physical formats feature full label history and artist interviews by DJ Chrissy Murderbot alongside rare photos.

Theo drops two sparse, minimal, yet soulful banging house joints

Annie and the Caldwells are a family that plays a powerful disco soul from West Point, Mississippi, led by Annie Caldwell (who sings) and her husband of the last fifty years Willie Joe Caldwell, Sr. (who plays guitar). Can’t Lose My (Soul) is their new album 40 years in the making … In November 2024, they played a killer show at Le Guess Who?, which was reviewed in MOJO: “Their rhythm section (dad and two sons) would give the Family Stone a run for its money; the front line (mum and daughters) have unquenchable sass and spirituality, and the crowd doesn’t need persuading to crash the stage and be saved by (the) songs.”

We Play House Recordings label boss Red D is back on his Red Basics solo outlet with more lo fi rawness, this time taking cues from spoken word deep house legends like Blake Baxter and Mike Dunn. Opener ‘The J Principle’ pairs seductive lyrics by the enigmatic Max Erotic with pure electronic house funk to make any soul melt. After this there’s no time to rest when ‘Raw Shit’ comes along with its wicked off-kilter groove spiced up with dirty lyrics and chord stabs to shake up those late night floors. On the flip side it’s all about Red D’s love for the 313 with a slamming oldskool Detroit techno track aptly called ‘Troisentrois Groove’. Basics were rarely this fundamental.

Essential Item Limited Edition No Re-Press...

first SOUND SIGNATURE release in quite some time brings us 4 sparkling tracks from Ohio's much in demand HANNA who's also a member of Theo Parrish's Rotating Assembly. expect his trademark lush and often bitter-sweet jazz-schooled textures underpinned by bumping, skipping beats. wonderful record!

As the leader of new outfit Sarter Kit, saxophonist Tara Sarter is creating a unique form of minimal, experimental jazz drawing on humanist principles and shared experiences. Her uncluttered and emotionally heavy debut album 'What I am and What I'm Not' creates an open, instrumental soundworld, where breaks and silences command equal gravitas as the notes and beats. The masterful drumming of Lukas Akintaya dances between oblique patterns in odd meters, into rolling grooves and afrobeat inspired rhythms. On keys and synth, Elias Stemeseder creates tension and releases, with lingering chords and fragile melodies. Stemeseder's synthesizer work throughout the album is subtle yet masterful. Stalking the silence between the sax, drums and piano, creating a haze of digital textures within the margins of the music. Much of the album was recorded live, preserving the raw, unedited energy of their performances. Beyond its musical qualities, 'What I am and What I'm Not' is a reflection of Sarter's belief in the power of music as a form of human connection. For Sarter, music is not about proving technical prowess but about creating something meaningful, something that transcends barriers and speaks to the shared experience of being human.

HOUSEWAX presents the Don of Bari-House, Mr. Nico Lahs! We are very happy to present you our long time Fratello and great producer with this fantastic new release, which will hit the stores in March! Highly recommended!

GU returns with 3 more of his favorite funk & disco tunes from the early days of The Bismark, Music Box, and Warehouse, polished up & refreshed for modern dance floors. This features dope edits/remixes of cuts from INGRAM, JAMES BROWN and for the STAR WARS' fans: MECO's "CANTINA BOOGIE".

Athens-based label Ethos is looking to build on the good start it made with its first two outings with a third raw and direct EP. DimDJ is a legend in Greece and has been since the 90s when he first began making his mark. His sound is not all about nostalgia though - he opens his Welcome To This World EP with 'This Little Face' which is a deep house reverie with painterly pads smeared over dusty drums. Nice analogue textures make it all the more lived in and a Beatless version strips away everything but the suspensory synths. 'Welcome To This World is another lo-fi and crackly deep house meditation and 'Hyper Tonic' flips the script with some undulating acid lines, more light synth work and hissing hi-hats.

Laseech is proud to announce the release of "I Saw You", a soulful and versatile 12” debut on his newly established label, Cosada. The release features the emotive voice of Swaylo, whose performance complements Laseech’s signature jazzy and soulful sound. Adding to the record’s prestige, "I Saw You" includes a remix by none other than Ron Trent, bringing his deep, mystical style to the release, further solidifying it as an essential record for house music lovers. A Dub mix is also included, designed to bring fresh broken beat energy to the dance floor or more intimate, reflective moments. This marks an exciting chapter for Laseech and Cosada, a label inspired by and named after a serene island of the Adriatic and the street of Laseech’s studio where the magic happens.

Zy The Way's debut album, Then and Now, skilfully merges ancient Chinese poetry with jazz, improvisation and global musical inspirations. Drawing cues from the Shijing, China's first poetry anthology, this adventures record connects historical themes with contemporary sound nd features collaboration with scholar Dr. Annie Luman Ren. Aong the way, the artist explores timeless concepts having already earned two Global Music Awards and gaining international acclaim. Notable tracks like 'Blue Collar' and 'Agile' shine brightly and, additionally, remixes by Mark de Clive-Lowe and DJ Spinna offer new interpretations to add even more richness.

Four exclusive, unreleased tracks lifted from the forthcoming 'Eglo Records Volume 3' compilation,available on a limited edition 12" vinyl EP to celebrate 15 years of our trend setting, little independent label, born out of the basement of the legendary Plastic People night club. Featuring the don Zed Bias on the remix for Chunky's 'Dancing On Tables' alongside fellow Mancunian talent Metrodome, as well as Liverpools young Broken Beat wizard Sticky Dub, who serves up a deep, brukwise bubbler on 'Minerals'. Flip it over for brand new material from House music aficionado Giles Smith (formerly of Secret Sundaze) and the official debut release form label boss Alex Nut onhis lo-fi Electro House jawn 'Arcade Fun Pt.1' .The full compilation will be out in April featuring new tracks and previously released material fromthe likes of label artists Shy One, Steve Spacek, Stefan Ringer, Last Nubian, Malik Hendricks,Fatima, Destiny71z, Natalie Slade and many more....

Osunlade returns with Inner Garden on his Yoruba label, blending organic rhythms, electronic grooves, and soulful vibrations.

Legendary Nature Boy returns with six slammin disco-inspired club bombs. Tracks were derived from original floppies from the early 90's. The time when Milo produced and released classics like Ruff Disco Volume One and Necessary Ruffness Volumes 1 and 2!