December 2020 - Monthly Round Up
As the doors close on what has been a tremendously difficult year for all, we want to take this opportunity to thank all of those key workers who've pulled us through dark times in the past 12 months. There are no words which can quantify what we as a society owe to health care workers, teachers and other public sector workers. From all of us here at 23rd Precinct Music #ThankYou
2020 has been a rollercoaster with highs and lows for everyone, especially those working within the creative sector. We hope and pray for a brighter 2021.
December brought us a series of excellent releases from the 23rd Precinct Music camp.
It was a big month again for in-house record label Limbo Records with releases from Richie Blacker & Mr Sosa as well as a celebratory end of year live stream marathon featuring Retna, Tim French, Phraktal, Stevie McCreery and recent releaser Mr Sosa. The latter winning a remix competition with his interpretation of the '93 Limbo Records classic 'I Trance You'. Check it out here! Long term signee Richie Blacker released his first original track 'Beautifully Weird' later in the month to glorious welcomed support from BBC Radio 1's Danny Howard. More releases are planned for 2021 with the Northern Irish dance pioneer so watch this space.
The Limbo brand also reached the prestigious number one spot on Music Week's Upfront Chart.
Our songwriting powerhouse duo Emma Whyte & Stuart McInnes teamed up with our Dubai-based producers Scott Forshaw & Joseph Beck on pop-tastic banger 'Future Self'. The track was snapped up by Sweden's Loudkult and has already received local BBC Introducing support. Check it out here.
The ignition of a long lived partnership resulted in the release of new music from Texas. Our writer Robert Hodgens was credited on new track 'Hi' a co-write with Wu-Tang Clan. 22 years on from their famous performance at The Brits, Texas & Wu-Tang teamed up once more on a supersonic fusion of of genres. One not to be missed, check it out here.
Ryan Sewell was back at it again. With a series of successful releases with none other that Purple Disco Machine supporting 'Revolution' a track with Babert, on his Defected Virtual Festival slot. Released on Midnight Riot this quintessential vocal house track delivers on those old school Chicago house qualities. Download here.
Another release from Ryan towards the end of the month came in the form of 'Here To Tell You'. Ryan once again showcasing the power in collaboration - this time teaming up with Leandro Da Silva and released on Black Lizard Records.
Alan La Porte has had an incredible year with his Covenants alias and that success continued with his release on Gameroom Recordings - 'Dominoes'. A collaborative track with Hedara, this pop driving EDM track is definitely one to slam on your headphones in your morning exercise. Check out the Deep House edit on the B-side.
Our writer Frank Farrell had a busy month - fresh off the back of his Help Musicians UK 'Do It Differently' funding, Frank was on remix duty under his Dagda alias on 'Yarima'. Seven minutes of unrivalled techno goodness. As Head of A&R for Boxt Records, Frank was also sharing plans for 2021 and a busy month planned for January so stay tuned.
David Forbes has 3 tracks in the Beatport Trance Charts. November's releases 'Randomize' and 'Out Of Order' stood strong in the charts and were joined by David's collaborative track 'Silent Waves' with Susie Ledge released on Subculture. A fitting way to top off a lovely year for David.
Our writers Luke Hayes, Fran Cosgrave & Rhys Buckley collectively known as Futuristic Polar Bears released an excessive powerhouse remix of 'Only You', an original by EDM giants Sick Individuals & Nicky Romero. Check out 'Only You (Futuristic Polar Bears Remix)' here.
Another relationship that blossomed in 2020 was ours with Scottish songwriter, vocalist Raff Crolla. He tied up the year with a track 'Let It Be' with Dantiez Saunderson & Wolf Story. A sensational delivery of soulful vocals and deep house instrumentation. Tech house powerhouse Low Steppa on remix duties bringing a fiery flare to the B-side. This one released on Simma Black, check it out here.
Les Hemstock released 'Torn' in the latter part of the month. Les, a household name in the trance world, delivered once more with his characteristic energy. Check out Torn here.
The Nickajack Men announced their signing to Distiller Records moments before their sensational performance live from the Bluestar Ship. With an album, written & recorded 2021 is sure to be a career defining year for the Denny quartet.
Wishing you all health & happiness for 2021. All the best when it comes,
The 23rd Precinct Music Team x