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DT News Archive
December 07
We have 2 releases out this month; the eagerly anticipated second single from jazz/electronica trio Head and Neck Sessions, and the debut single from hotly tipped Medway folk act Hospital Bombers. Both titles are available now at our online shop. You can catch exclusive live performances from both these acts and others at the free label showcase event we are holding at Notting Hill Arts Club in London, on Saturday 22nd December from 4-8pm. Coming up in 2008 we have plenty of new music coming your way, including a very special album release from The Lani Singers, as well as plenty more music events and showcases scatttered throughout the year. We're also gonna be doing a monthly podcast from January, available through iTunes. Thanks again for all your support of the label throughout the last year. We look forward to serving your music tastes and desires into 2008 and beyond. Peace
January '08
On behalf of everyone here at Dancing Turtle, we'd like to wish you a very happy new year. We have two releases out in the shops this month; the second single from Head and Neck Sessions, and the Daisuke Tanabe remix of Amycanbe's track 'Your Own Thing'. Both releases are available on limited edition 7" vinyl and digital download. We've also just launched a new monthly podcast series featuring exclusive cuts of upcoming releases and other new music that has caught our attention. You can download the podcast for free through iTunes; just enter 'dancing turtle records' in the search function. Coming up early next month, the Lani Singers of West Papua will be performing live in-session with DJ Ritu on her BBC Radio London world music show. That's happening on Saturday 2nd February, from 8-10pm on BBC 94.9fm . Their debut album is scheduled for release on Dancing Turtle later this summer. www.myspace.com/thelanisingers
February '08
This month's label podcast is available for free download now through iTunes ( http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=271166442 ). It features music from the likes of Max White, DJ Trax, Lani Singers and Laura Baker. There's also music from new label signing Inklling, whose debut EP we will be releasing early this summer. In addition to our online shop, where you can buy limited edition vinyl and CD releases, we have just launched our digital download store (http://dancingturtle.ithinkmusic.com/my-store/index.php ), where you'll find all our latest releases at the lowest guaranteed prices! Coming up soon on the label, New York based producer Yellowtail will be doing a track with Russell Morgan, as well as remixing '24 Hours' from Amycanbe.
October 07
Amycanbe's stunning debut album, Being A Grown-Up Sure Is Complicated, is out on 22nd October. Catch the band at one of their UK tour dates, including the album launch party at 12 Bar Club in London, also featuring peformances from Conil, The Workhouse and Paradise Found (see flyer).
We still have a few copies of left of the singles we pressed up recently from Head and Neck Sessions, and also Daisuke Tanabe's 'Soybean flour mix' of Amycanbe's song 'Your Own Thing'. These are both available in our online store.
To celebrate the forthcoming album release from Amycanbe, we are offering a free MP3 from the album to each and every one of you. Simply drop us an email to info@dancingturtle.co.uk with 'Amycanbe MP3' in the subject line and we'll send you the track for your listening pleasure!
August 07
Upcoming this month we have a 7" vinyl release from our latest signing, live electronics act Head and Neck Sessions. They have built up a frenzy over the past 12 months and before the year is out will be recording a much sought after Maida Vale Session for Gilles Peterson's Radio 1 show.
We also have the highly anticipated Daisuke Tanabe remix of Amycanbe's single 'Your Own Thing' coming later in the month, preceeding the full album release from Amycanbe in the autumn.
Big shouts to those of you who made it to Standon Calling Festival, where label DJs Icon and Cesar R worked up a frenzy on the carnival stage. We will be recording more radio shows in the next month featuring these and other guest DJs. Finally, we are busy organising a special benefit night for the Free West Papua Campaign, to be held in Brixton at the end of November. Full details coming soon.
July 07 cont
...tribal musicians from South America, Melanesia and Europe.
On the label front, later this month sees a limited edition 7" vinyl release from Italian indie-folk pop act Amycanbe. Their full debut album is all set for release on Dancing Turtle early in the autumn. Trust us, you won't have heard music as sweet and seductive as theirs before.
Our latest radio show is up on the site now, so check that out for the freshest global beats and grooves.
Don't forget to check out our other label pages too, on MySpace and last.fm&
May 07
Recent developments include a new twice monthly radio show, featuring guest DJ mixes exploring global sounds from Africa to Latin America, Europe and beyond.
Coming up in the next couple of months we have a limited edition 7" vinyl release from our latest signing Amycanbe, followed by their debut album release later in the summer. The band will be over in the UK in July and September, so keep checking back for dates.
We also have an exclusive remix of one of Amycanbe's songs coming from Daisuke Tanabe (Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards).&
April 07
Our recent benefit compilation release, Merdeka, is continuing to receive plenty of positive feedback from around the globe. It has featured on radio shows as far afield as San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Melbourne, as well as in the UK.
Pick up your copy of Merdeka at our online shop. All of the proceeds are going to West Papuan refugees.&
March 07
We are delighted to welcome onboard our latest signing - hotly tipped indie act, Amycanbe.
Following a hugely positive reponse to their debut EP, the band are now busy in the studio putting the finishing touches to their full debut album, due for release in the summer.
Keep an eye out for a limited edition 7" single release from them in May, with the full album release scheduled for July. News on UK tour dates for the band coming soon.&
January 07
We have plenty of fresh new music coming your way in 2007. Our first release of the year is the Merdeka compilation. It features an ecelctic range of artists from around the world. Its available now at our online shop and in selected record stores.All proceeds are going to West Papuan refugee support schemes.
Additions to the website include a soon to be launched podcast section, where you'll find regularly updated guest DJ mixes exploring the global music scene, with conversation and poetry.&
November 06
A very special compilation CD will be released on Dancing Turtle early next month. A soulful and uplifting selection of global sounds, Merdeka features acts from over 18 countries, including Brazil, Madagascar, Norway, Japan and Romania.
It also features previously unheard tribal music from the remote West Papuan highland region.
The launch party is taking place at Babalou, Brixton on 20th December 8pm-2am. Featuring live acts and DJs from the global music scene, and also celebrating International Human Rights Day. Free entry all night.
All proceeds from the sale of the CD are going directly to West Papuan refugees.
November 06 cont
Don't forget to check out our new online shop where you can purchase music from our roster of acts, as well as some of the most exciting up and coming talent we've unearthed from around the world.
News on further releases coming soon.
August 06
There's less than a month to go now till the return of the highly anticipated Merdeka music event in London.
Once again the event will be streamed live to a worldwide audience at piratetv.net and all proceeds from the evening are going directly to West Papuan refugees.&
August 06 There's less than a month to go now till the return of the highly anticipated Merdeka music event in London.
Click here to purchase discounted tickets.
August 06 (cont.)
Once again the event will be streamed live to a worldwide audience at piratetv.net and all proceeds from the evening are going directly to West Papuan refugees.
We're also putting the finishing touches to a compilation CD, featuring musicians from around the globe, spanning various genres. This is on track for a release sometime next month.
Don't forget to check out the new 'Events' section on the website where you can listen to and download live performances from previous events we've held.
June 06
Following the success of the 'Merdeka' world music event in April, we're busy organising...
June 06 (cont.)
...another night that will be taking place on Friday 1st September at Jamm, Brixton. Full line-up coming shortly.
Photos and audio footage from the last event will be on the site soon.
You can also now find us on
April 06
**Live audio streaming of Merdeka world music event at www.piratetv.net from 2130 GMT on Friday 7th April**
New additions to our website include special features on indigenous Sámi band Vajas the Zambian roots reggae star Larry Maluma, and a new interactive
February 06
Final line-up for the benefit world music event in London on April 7th confirmed - Jazzanova (Sonar Kollektiv), Future World Funk (global beats act), Sambura (Brazilian samba funk band), Sabari (Mandinka drumming madness), Kid Harpoon (twisted UK folk) and The Lani Singers (ethnic West Papuan act).
Advance tickets available from www.ticketweb.co.uk 08700600100
Coming soon to Dancing Turtle – Zambian reggae roots legend Larry Maluma and Israeli electro lounge act, Avrahim
December 05
Exciting developments include upcoming collaborations with Romanian group Shukar...
With the impending launch of our sister label in the new year, watch out for releases coming from our stable
Amycanbe
The forthcoming debut album from Amycanbe, ‘Being A Grown-Up Sure Is Complicated’ heralds the arrival of one of the most innovative and exciting new talents on the European music scene. Blending the vocals of Francesca Amati, with folk driven guitar rhythms, horns and abstract elements of electronica, Amycanbe’s sound is vibrantly fresh and seductive, bringing a welcome breath of originality to the scene. Since forming in late 2003 in the city of Ravenna in north eastern Italy, Amycanbe have built up a huge following in their homeland, attaining widespread critical acclaim for their self titled debut EP – a series of unproduced home recordings! Hailed as one of the most important releases of the year, it wasn’t long before the band started drawing ripples of positive attention across Europe, and tour support slots for the likes of Skin (Skunk Anansie). Amycanbe are made up of four members (Francesca Amati on vocals, Mattia Mercuriali on guitar, Marco Trinchillo on acoustic guitar and drums, and Paolo Gradari on trumpet, guitar and keys). With a diverse range of influences, including Aphex Twin, The Flaming Lips and Tom Waits, Amycanbe have created a hybrid sound, unlike anything you’ve heard before. All of their songs are original compositions, written and recorded during a fruitful period when the band were tucked away in their Alpine mountain retreat, cut off from all outside distractions, immersed in their deep passion for creating soul tingling music. Their forthcoming album brims with diversity and depth; from the folky charm of Down Under, to the spectacular driving rhythms of Burning; the psychedelically introverted Heal and the eclectically diverse Little Dog. Amycanbe are a unique talent and their music is a real treat to the ear.
Max White
‘Who Warms the Sun?’ is the eagerly awaited debut album from Australia’s latest music sensation, Max White. A beautiful blend of visceral blues, achingly sweet gospel melodocism, jazz grooves and roots rock, it’s set to woo people on both sides of the globe.Max White is a man of humble roots whose musical sound is as much a reflection of his life as it is his own unique soul language. The son of a boxer under the patronage of the Kray twins, Max was born in London, but within a year of his birth his family had emigrated to Perth in Western Australia.
His early music inspiration was drawn from his grandfather, the conductor of the Western Australia Symphony Orchestra, and during his early years he had a stint in the Perth Youth Jazz Choir.His love for blues music saw him become a keen guitarist, and soon into his teenage years he was making a living through his music. This gradual progression culminated in a small studio signing for an EP in 1998 to Survival Studios with Perth band Fletch.
A further move to Melbourne, the music hub of Australia enabled Max to mould his muscical style further and in 2000 he signed his first solo deal. His strong bond with legendary Australian producer Chris Dickie, opened the doors to some of Australia’s finest blues legends lending their backing support for the album, and the result is stunning. ‘Who Warms the Sun?’ is a delightful array of songs, a soundtrack for the soul that will leave you in awe. It heralds Max White’s arrival on the international music scene in the most sensational and moving manner.
Laura Baker
‘Surrender’, the debut album offering from Laura Baker is a captivating array of songs from a spectacularly gifted singer/songwriter. Here is a voice that encapsulates joy and pain, yearning and loss, and songs that will haunt you long after you’ve heard them.
Laura’s songs are steeped in the warm, pastoral tradition of Sandy Denny and Nick Drake, but stamped with a freshness and originality that makes her voice totally her own.
Born in London, but now settled on the southwest coast of Ireland, Laura has emerged as one of the most exciting coming talents on the music scene. Having played gigs extensively over the last few years, she has steadily generated a reputation for her unique vocal styling and soulful, heartfelt songs. What sets her apart from so many other artists is that her sound exudes a depth of soul that is both hypnotic and compelling.
It is out of the beautiful surroundings of the Beara Peninsula of County Cork that Laura’s music has developed, evoking a sense of dream and timelessness. Here is a voice that stands alone and forever. Close your ears for a moment and the sound that was will never be again. ‘Surrender’
D. Louis Baker
Since being unearthed by the late John Peel on his legendary Radio 1 show, the wheels have been set in motion for D.Louis Baker to bring his music to the fore and realise his undoubted potential. A highly talented singer/songwriter, Baker blends unwavering piano and guitar melodies with his remarkable voice, and backing from his band.
Drawing early inspiration from Nick Drake, Elliott Smith and Devendra Banhart amongst others, Baker started his musical career with Solway Fifth, a band with a dynamic streak, quickly earning themselves a steady following, and ultimately an opening appearance on the John Peel show. Baker, along with fellow Solway Fifth members went on to set up two new bands, deadsunrising and Sinners vs. Swimmers, allowing Baker to develop his sound further and explore his capabilities in differing styles. Now firmly settled as the lead in D.Louis Baker & Friends, with backing from Jim Lowe on guitar, Paul Shipley on bass, and stalwart Alex Marsden on drums, it seems Baker has finally found the perfect combination to complement his style and allow his creative element to flourish.
Their latest material sparkles with warm emotion and an originality that sets them apart from others; from the piano melodies of Its Nothing New to the awe inspiring vocals on In The Wake, as well as the sensational We’re Existing, Plank and Ailie.
With more material still being produced, as well as an album release in the pipeline, expect to see and hear a lot more from this group in the near future.
D louis Baker myspace
Kid Harpoon
On Kid Harpoon. Kid Harpoon is said to have lived sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He lived at sea but was well known throughout the ports of Europe. During these stopovers, he would tell the fishing communities of his many adventures.
The Comet of Destiny is the most well known of these tales. Out on a small rowing boat one evening Harpoon noticed a comet passing through the sky above him. The comet spoke out to him, telling him the universe was just a series of events waiting to happen - that all things are pre-destined.
Stirred by this the Kid stood up, launching his Harpoon ferociously towards the stars. It speared through the centre of the comet and then, straining every muscle in his body, he whipped it into a spin then let it go, shooting it off in a new direction. From then on Kid Harpoon would control his own destiny.
On Rats. I like rats because there are a lot of comparisons between their lives and our own. We live in, and create, the filthy areas on the planet, full of dirt, rubbish and anger.
In ‘The Pied Piper of Hamlin’ people complain about the rats and the problems they are causing, and the need to rid their town of them. The Pied Piper lures all the rats to drown in the river; all but one. Then, when the Mayor refuses to pay him he steals all but one of the children and takes them to Hamlin.
The humans turn out to be as easily tricked as the rats were, and once the rats were exterminated there were still problems because the society was corrupt. Humans live like rats, and today there seem to be a lot of Pied Pipers.
Kid Harpoon myspace
In more recent times Shukar appeared primarily as gypsy street performers in Bucharest.Later, after seeing them perform in a jazz club in the city, Romanian DJs Vasile and Dreamdoktor approached Shukar with a vision of re-orchestrating these folkloric pieces, and fusing them with modern sounds while preserving and even emphasizing the archaic aspect. This has had spectacular results, creating an uniquely organic sound, and earning the group plaudits throughout the world.In more recent times Shukar appeared primarily as gypsy street performers in Bucharest.Later, after seeing them perform in a jazz club in the city, Romanian DJs Vasile and Dreamdoktor approached Shukar with a vision of re-orchestrating these folkloric pieces, and fusing them with modern sounds while preserving and even emphasizing the archaic aspect. This has had spectacular results, creating an uniquely organic sound, and earning the group plaudits throughout the world.It's easy to hear the connection with Flamenco music to the west and Indian percussion to the east within their music. But now, the band is connecting with the future, experimenting with new sounds as they put the final touches to their follow-up album and prepare for an extended overseas tour."…its not so much genre breaking as a parallel universe" The Independent
"…at its best, it coheres into something genuinely rich and strange" The Daily Telegraph
"…an unclassifiable hybrid that is often funny, frequently exciting, and sometimes bewildering" Observer Music Monthly Shukar Collective official site
Larry Maluma
Zambian roots legend Larry Maluma has been a purveyor of some of the finest music to come out of Zambia in the last twenty years. An accomplished musician, composer and vocalist, he has created his own brand of roots reggae music, blending diverse styles, and singing a combination of English and his native languages, Nyanja, Bemba and Tonga. Larry's impressive catalogue of releases spans almost twenty years – from his first 2 releases, Confusion (1987) and One Man's Poison (1989), to the albums, Hallelujah (1991), Man & Woman (1993), Nuff is Enough (1996), Motion (1997) and Roots & Herbs (2000).
His most recent album, Makani Angu (2005), is smothered in deep roots, hypnotic rhythms, tribal beats and a waterfall of percussion. It has been hailed as his best work to date. Infused with a political vibe, with tracks such as Every Bank Is A Prison speaking against the encroachment of... capitalist society, its an album which carries a strong message. It is an album too of African solidarity and and affirmation, with songs such as African Dream painting pictures of the African landscape, culture and people.Since moving to Australia in 1985 to develop his music, Larry has broadened the Australian perspective of African music. His work alongside highly regarded contemporary musicians including Paul Kelly, David Bridie, Yothu Yindi and New Guinea's Telek, has given him a wealth of diverse influences.
Much of Larry’s music addresses issues of racial harmony, equality and social unity, and he regularly returns home to Zambia to revive his musical and cultural heritage, and perform live. In 2004 he released a special compilation album for Zambian project ‘The African Dream’, a project that assists underprivileged children in Zambia.It’s refreshing that artists like Larry retain their roots and channel the power of their music to positive effect, bringing focus upon global issues which are central to future sustainability. With a host of live appearances and collaborations lined up, we look forward to another twenty years of groundbreaking sounds from Zambia’s finest export.Listen to samples from Larry Maluma’s music (coming soon)
Larry Maluma
Vajas
Vajas (Echo) hail from the arctic city of Tromsø in northern Norway, and represent a synergy of arctic voices and timeless sounds.They are from the Sámi, the indigenous people of the north of Scandinavia who are traditionally the reindeer herders of this region. By nature a nomadic culture, the Sámi maintain strong links
between the pastand the present, and are animistic, believing that everything in nature from animals to minerals have a soul.People, the natural environment, events, beliefs and teachings form the traditional core of the Sámi yoik - their folk music. Yoiks are a traditional form of chanting sung a capella. This serves to create an ethnic sound that is a reflection of the spiritual roots of their culture.Vajas blend the traditional Sámi yoiks of Ánde Somby, the entrancing violin stylings and melodic voice of Kristin Mellem, and the captivating synthesizer sound voyages and creations of Nils Johansen. Their fingerprint is the meeting of the cold arctic breeze and human warmth, the traditional Sámi yoik combined with spheric sound
travels. According to the Sámi understanding, the evocation of a yoik is something that when started will continue to shimmer into eternity. While the yoiker creates a melodic backdrop, as the tone slips into an illusion of silence, the yoik will continue to stream entwined in the energy of creation. These ancient spiritual connections come from a place beyond western tonal borders or understanding.Vajas' sound renews some of the traditional Sámi yoiks of the past and stretches the boundaries of Norwegian folk music to new levels. Having played a series of live dates in the US, Morocco, Taiwan and Europe, Vajas are currently busy in the studio putting the finishing touches to their eagerly anticipated debut album, using yoiks in new forms, and creating an ethnic Sámi folk sound blended with electronica that leaves the listener mesmerised through a sense of timeless ambiance.
Vajas official site
Head and Neck Sessions
Head and Neck Sessions have emerged as one of the most exciting breakthrough acts in the realm of ambient live electronica, jazz and hip-hop. From the unlikeliest of beginnings, when two of the band members were studying the anatomy of the head and neck at medical school and decided to take a break and have a jam, they have gone on to release a debut EP which has received critically acclaim the world over, and before the year is out will be performing a much sought after Maida Vale Session for Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Show on BBC Radio 1. Inspired by jazz legends including John Coltrane, Dhafer Youssef, Nils Petter Molvaer, Eivind Aarset as well as the current Scandinavian electronica-jazz scene, Head and Neck Sessions have created a progressive sound that is both vibrant and deeply seductive. Comprised of three band members (James Crichlow on keys, synths, electric bass and violin, Matt Chlebek on turntable, MPC, synth and sequences, and Alex Clapworthy on drums and recording), Head and Neck Sessions embody a new cutting edge in alternative live electronica. “I think we all bring a lot of different styles to the table. We all listen to different styles of music, we all draw our influences from different places and eras – it changes what we want to be hearing and how each of us plays our instruments” Despite living in opposite parts of the UK, the group have used what little time they get to spend together, as a precious commodity. Locked away in a studio for a week culminated in the completion of their debut 5 track EP, and with new material in the pipeline, things are moving in the right direction for the group. The strength of Head and Neck Sessions is rooted in their openness to differential musical styles in creating their own sound – from collaborations with UK hip-hop MC Shortman on their track Throttle, to the spine tingling Romançais, their music the group create is representative of their progression and development as artists, and warmly entices the listener to join with them on their musical journey. Over the coming months, Dancing Turtle Records will be releasing a series of limited edition 7” singles from Head and Neck Sessions debut EP, as well as some unreleased exclusive cuts. Head and Neck Myspace site
Paradise Found
Paradise Found is an ever growing, ever changing folk/electronica music collective of like-minded, spiritually open people. It is driven by an underlying desire to guide and help its listeners through the day-to-day toils of life. Primarily a guitar and vocal group that focus on simple layered melodies with attention to space and harmony, Paradise Found was created by Theodore and Sylvan Heally. Two gardeners, artists, music lovers and storytellers who spend most of their time at home with friends, partying and living a river garden lifestyle and making music, they came together in the late summer of 2006, with the concept of Paradise Found. This talented duo recorded their self-titled debut album in the front room of their idyllic home, chanced upon by their manager Jimi B Brown. The album explores the theme of letting go of pain and embracing joy into the soul, with lyrical content that takes its influence from different religious ideologies, self help books and folklore. Songs such as Did You Laugh Today and The Joy are reminders that its better to be in a state of happiness than anger. Tick The Box suggests that we sometimes carry the weight of the world on our shoulders when its better to just let go and concentrate on enjoying what’s in front of us. Their songs follow a similar format, made using simple guitar loops and layered vocals, with building rhythms and drifting ambiances dashed with electronica, imaginatively presented using contemporary arrangements. The result is music that has a deeply seductive and meditative effect on the listener, bringing you closer to yourself. Don't be surprised if you find yourself falling into a daydream whilst listening to Paradise Found, for you are almost certain to transcend to a state of meditative peace when listening to their music. Paradise Found Myspace
Events
The critically acclaimed world music night Merdeka, takes place in London, with a host of live acts, performers and DJs coming together to raise awareness for the ongoing illegal occupation of West Papua by Indonesia – an occupation that has already claimed the lives of 500,000 innocent Papuans.
Click on the flyers below for more information on previous and upcoming events, and download live music sets from previous guests, courtesy of piratetv.net
Dancing Turtle Records promotes and produces music from emerging artists around the world. Our commitment to unearthing new styles and sub-genres of music, as well as broadening the audience of more familiar sounds has created a vibrant base for musicians to showcase their sounds. Acts on our roster come from as far afield as Zambia, West Papua, and Brazil, as well as the freshest new talent in Europe. We act as a not-for-profit organisation with any label profits given to charitable causes. We are also concerned with the social benefits that music can bring, regularly organising consciousness raising music events for a variety of pressure groups and charities, channeling the power of music to help stimulate positive social change. This is reflected in some of our releases too, like the Merdeka compilation, with acts from over seventeen countries coming together to raise funds and awareness for the oppressed people of West Papua. Keep checking back to our website for more indepth information about our ever growing roster of musicians and forthcoming releases, as well as catching up on the latest goings on with our new online radio show. You can also find out information about upcoming artist showcase nights, download exclusive live sets from our previous events, and purchase music from some of the most exciting artists on the scene. Enjoy the sounds! Peace + Respect