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Calibro 35 new ltd 45 vinyl and European tour
Cinematic funk masters Calibro 35 unleash ‘Mister Magic’, the second bonus track from the forthcoming deluxe edition of Exploration due February 06. European tour coming in December.
Pre-order ltd edition clear orange 45 vinyl ‘Mister Magic’ / ‘Vitamin C’: https://recordkicks.luca-fregoso.com/product/calibro-35-mister-magic-vitamin-c/
Instrumental cinematic legends Calibro 35 return with ‘Mister Magic’, a Calibro-style reinterpretation of the renowned track from the 70s by Grover Washington Jr. The single is the second bonus track from Exploration (Deluxe Edition), due on February 06, 2026 on digital platforms via Record Kicks and to be released on that same day also on ltd edition 45 vinyl, available for pre-order from today. The expanded digital release includes three brand-new bonus tracks, deepening the band’s signature fusion of cinematic funk, jazz, and groove-driven experimentation.
“In its original version, ‘Mister Magic’ was played by some of the greatest musicians of all time, from Harvey Mason to Bob James, from Eric Gale to Gary King. We have absolute reverence for what they did, but when we start playing other people’s music, we like to play with it and make it our own. That’s why it felt natural to add a little plot twist that turns the track into afrobeat in the second half, and it’s always wonderful to see songs take on new shapes,” say Calibro 35.Apart from ‘Mister Magic’, the Deluxe Edition of Exploration includes two other new tracks: the jazz classic ‘Harlem Nocturne’, made famous by The Lounge Lizards, among others, and published on October 15, 2025, and ‘Vitamic C’, originally from the German band Can, to be released in Calibro-version on February 04, 2026.
Following two special concerts in the United States last October, Calibro 35 will take the Exploration Tour to Europe with a show in Barcelona on December 03 at La Nau, in Berlin on December 04 at SO36, in Paris on December 07 at La Bellevilloise and closing in London on December 08 at Earth Club.
Tanika Charles unleashes New Video!
Following the release of her latest album “Reasons to Stay“ last May, Tanika Charles is back with the official video of the title track, out now on Youtube.
Listen/purchase the new album “Reasons To Stay”: https://recordkicks.lnk.to/TanikaCharles
With her fourth studio album, “Reasons To Stay,” Tanika Charles demonstrates a new level of mastery, mining the depths of a life spent running away from the unfulfilled promises and a broken home, to give us her most raw and intimate offering to date. By coming to terms with past trials and ensuing tribulations, Ms. Charles delivers a modern Soul classic.
Playing like a series of intimate letters to members of her family, to herself and to the listener, “Reasons To Stay” is an examination of the skeletons dangling in the family closet, and the damaged relationships at the root of a woman’s journey to acceptance and self love.
Backed by the tight-knit team of Scott McCannell (Lydia Persaud, Henry Nozuka), Kyla Charter (Aysanabee) and Chino de Villa (Jessie Reyez), a guest feature from Quebec-based singer/songwriter Clerel, and vocal support from Aphrose and Claire Davis, Tanika Charles’ “Reasons To Stay” is steeped in experience, pulling threads from past eras to weave a record that feels retro futuristic and timeless.
Masterfully mixed by Monophonics’ frontman Kelly Finnigan, whose trademark analogue grit saturates Tanika’s sheen, “Reasons To Stay” also winks at the Hip-Hop heads perennially digging in crates. It captures the essence of Blues, Jazz, and Gospel-influenced R&B before spilling into Psychedelia and back, with a rawness and urgency that compels you to flip the record over again.
Two-time Juno Awards R&B/Soul Recording of the Year nominee and three-time Polaris Music Prize long-list nominee Tanika Charles in synonymous with Canadian Soul music. She has embraced the sound and aesthetic of the genre without gimmick, whilst pushing the boundaries of what audiences can expect. Her music revels in honesty and attitude, her live show is high energy and endearing, and she continues to organically win audiences over one album, one stream, and one encore at a time. Her previous studio albums – “Soul Run” (2017), “The Gumption” (2019), and “Papillon De Nuit” (2022) – have propelled her to international acclaim. Extensive touring across North America and Europe has further solidified her reputation, with standout performances at festivals such as Trans Musicales in France, Fusion Festival in Germany, Mostly Funk & Soul Festival and Jazz Festival in the UK, Holy Groove Festival in Switzerland, and Canarias Jazz Festival in Spain. She has also shared the stage Estelle, Mayer Hawthorne, Haitus Kayote, Lauryn Hill, Bedouin Soundclash and Macy Gray. Tanika’s meteoric rise and undeniable artistry have been widely championed by outlets such as KCRW, KEXP, BBC6 Music, Exclaim!, CBC Music, Uncut Mag, PopMatters and Albumism further solidifying her position as a global soul sensation.
Tiwayo’s single prod by Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas)
SOUL SINGER-SONGWRITER TIWAYO UNLEASHES NEW SINGLE “I’VE GOT TO TRAVEL ALONE” AND ANNOUNCES HIS UPCOMING ALBUM “OUTSIDER”, A RAW SOUL REVELATION PRODUCED BY GRAMMY WINNER ADRIAN QUESADA (BLACK PUMAS). WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO.
LISTEN & PRE-ORDER: https://bio.to/tiwayo-outsider
Nicknamed “The Young Old” for his timeless voice, Paris-born soul singer and songwriter Tiwayo returns with “I’ve Got To Travel Alone,” the first single from his forthcoming album “Outsider”, produced by Grammy Award winner Adrian Quesada of the Black Pumas. The single drops today, November 12, together with its official video, with the full album arriving April 10, 2026 via Record Kicks. Album pre-orders are now available.
“This song evokes my inner journey as an artist,” says Tiwayo. “It’s about the ups and downs, about pursuing an ideal when everyday life can be discouraging. Society often tells us what’s right or wrong. If you don’t fit into those boxes, you have to dig deep to ‘resist’ and create your own path. This song is about resilience, self-determination, and reconnecting with your inner power to truly stand as an artist.”
Recorded at Electric Deluxe Studio in Austin, Texas, “Outsider” marks a rebirth for Tiwayo – a moment of clarity after years of searching. “Going to Austin to make this record with Adrian meant the world to me,” he explains. “After two years of isolation and disappointment, the moment we started recording, I knew I was in the right place at the right time”.
Although titled “I’ve Got To Travel Alone,” Tiwayo describes the track as a collective triumph. “Every musician and collaborator helped bring this story to life,” he notes. Musically, the song channels the gritty passion of O.V. Wright, the fire of Albert King, and the groove of the Black Pumas, blending old-school Memphis soul with modern rawness.
With “Outsider”, Tiwayo reclaims his place as one of the most distinctive voices in modern soul – a bohemian spirit who has busked and traveled the world, absorbing the blues, gospel, and R&B roots that define his sound.
Who is Tiwayo?
France may be celebrated for fine wine, electronic music, and buttery croissants — but rarely for deep, authentic soul. Tiwayo is here to change that. With “Outsider”, he delivers a radiant, borderless soul statement that defies genre and geography, proving that true soul has no nationality.
Praised by luminaries such as Norah Jones, Marcus Miller, Tony Visconti, and Don Was, Tiwayo has shared stages with Curtis Harding, Cody Chesnutt, and Marcus Miller. After two acclaimed releases – “Desert Dream” (Yotanka Records) and “The Gypsy Soul of Tiwayo” (Blue Note Records, produced by Mark Neill, the Grammy-winning architect behind The Black Keys’ “Brothers”) – he nearly vanished from the scene before Adrian Quesada discovered his demos and invited him to Austin to collaborate. The result is “Outsider”, a record that captures the essence of a Frenchman in Texas, a soul singer with a bluesman’s heart, and a traveler who never quite belongs anywhere.
In an age of polished revivals, Tiwayo stands proudly apart: an outsider in every sense, proving that the raw and unvarnished carry the deepest power.
Michelle David & TT unleash (Northern) Soul stomper ‘Running’
Listen/Pre-order the New Album “Soul Woman” (out Feb 27, 2026): https://recordkicks.lnk.to/SoulWoman
Gospel-soul powerhouse Michelle David & The True-tones unleash new single “Running”: a soul stomper from the upcoming album “Soul Woman”.
Hot on the heels of their acclaimed single “Speak To Me”, US-Dutch soul combo Michelle David & The True-tones return with “Running”, a raw burst of Motown energy and a true northern soul stomper, packed with driving rhythms, infectious hooks, and Michelle’s powerhouse vocals. The new single is out now on digital platforms via Record Kicks.
The track is the second single from their highly anticipated upcoming album Soul Woman, set for release on February 27, 2026 on LP, CD, and digital formats. The new single “Running” also arrives as part of an explosive double-sided 45 alongside “Speak To Me”, which received early support from BBC Radio 6 Music, FIP Radio France, KEXP, KCRW, and more.
Soul Woman promises to be Michelle David & The True-tones’ most emotionally resonant and musically adventurous project to date. Building on their signature blend of gospel, soul, and classic R&B, the album broadens its palette while staying rooted in heartfelt storytelling and timeless grooves.
About Michelle David & The True-tones:
Raised in New York and singing in church from the age of four, Michelle David’s voice was forged in gospel. By five she was performing with The Mission of Love, and her career has since taken her across the globe with Broadway productions (Mama, The Sound of Motown, Glory of Gospel, Mahalia) and studio sessions for legends like Diana Ross and Michael Bolton.
Since joining forces with The True-tones, David has released seven acclaimed albums, blending gospel spirit with raw soul power. Together, they’ve built a reputation as a must-see live act — lighting up major festivals such as Pinkpop and North Sea Jazz, touring extensively across Europe, and even performing at the Winter Olympics 2022. Their recordings have earned wide recognition, from an Edison Award nomination (Dutch Grammy) to BBC Radio 6’s Album of the Year and FIP Radio’s Album of the Month. Their 2024 LP Brothers & Sisters, released on Record Kicks, cemented their status as a leading force in the international retro-soul movement.
With “Speak To Me”, “Running” and the upcoming Soul Woman, Michelle David & The True-tones deliver their most powerful statement yet: timeless soul for today, made to move both the body and the spirit.
MICHELLE DAVIS & TT are back!
New album Soul Woman to drop, listen to the first single “Speak To Me”
| Michelle David & The True-tones unleash soul-shaking new single “Speak To Me”, the first taste of the upcoming album “Soul Woman”, out February 27, 2026 on Record Kicks. Soul, gospel, and raw emotion collide as powerhouse vocalist Michelle David & The True-tones return with their electrifying new single “Speak To Me”, out today on all digital platforms. The US-Dutch outfit delivers a groove-heavy anthem that heralds their forthcoming studio album Soul Woman, set for release on February 27, 2026 via Record Kicks (LP, CD, and digital). The new album is now available for pre-order. “Speak To Me” is a commanding, up-tempo call to connection, anchored by Michelle David’s unmistakable vocals, gritty guitar riffs, and bold brass arrangements. With its instantly infectious chorus, the track demands movement, emotion, and plenty of repeats. It’s a bold reintroduction to a band known for blurring the lines between gospel fervor and vintage soul fire. Set to follow on February 27, 2026, Soul Woman marks the band’s most expansive work to date. Deepening their signature blend of gospel, soul, and classic R&B, the album ventures into new emotional and musical territory, celebrating vulnerability, resilience, and spiritual power with unshakable energy. It’s a testament to the band’s evolution and a declaration of purpose: soul music that moves both heart and feet. Born in New York and raised on gospel, Michelle David was singing in church by the age of four and performing with The Mission of Love by five. Her rich musical journey spans Broadway shows (Mama, The Sound of Motown, Glory of Gospel, Mahalia) and recording sessions with icons like Diana Ross and Michael Bolton. Since joining forces with The True-tones, the group has released seven acclaimed albums and built a reputation as one of Europe’s most dynamic live acts. From headline slots at North Sea Jazz, Pinkpop, and the Winter Olympics 2022, to earning praise from BBC Radio 6 (Album of the Year), FIP Radio (Album of the Month), and a Dutch Edison Award nomination, the band continues to earn global recognition for their modern take on retro soul. Their 2024 LP Brothers & Sisters cemented their position in the international soul landscape. Now, with “Speak To Me” and Soul Woman, Michelle David & The True-tones are ready to deliver their most passionate and powerful chapter yet. |
The Diasonics are back! Listen to the 1st Single
Cinematic funk visionaries The Diasonics drop their new single “Oriole”, a groovy slice of hypnotic disco-funk that serves as a tease of upcoming album “Ornithology” out October 3.
Pre-order new album “Ornithology” and Listen to the first single “Oriole” HERE
Cinematic instrumental combo The Diasonics unleash the new single “Oriole”, out today, May 21, and announce the new album “Ornithology”, set to drop on October 3 via Record Kicks. From the snowy streets of Moscow to the crates of vinyl diggers worldwide, The Diasonics have carved a niche of their own with their unmistakable blend of cinematic funk, hypnotic Eastern grooves, and raw instrumental soul energy.
“Oriole” is the first glimpse into a world of sound that flutters between funk and fantasy. With fluttering guitar licks, deep basslines, lush organ textures, and heavy breaks, the track captures the essence of the band’s signature style. The band describes the track as “vintage disco funk” inspired by Soviet-era disco and jazz fusion records, as well as 1970s European library music and synth-funk. “A minimalist synthesizer melody echoing the song of the oriole, paired with a steady disco-funk groove reminiscent of a train in motion (“Oriole” is also the name of a popular Russian electric train) lay the foundation of our most danceable track to date” the band explains. “Like a bird hovering somewhere between earth and sky, we aimed to create a sound that’s as aerial as possible, while keeping its danceability and staying within the framework of heavy disco-funk groove.”
Formed in 2019, this five-piece instrumental unit — Daniil Lutsenko (electric guitar), Kamil Gazizov (keyboards), Maksim Brusov (bass), Anton Moskvin (drums), and Alexander Shingaling (previously Anton Katyrin) (percussions) — quickly gained cult status through a series of sought-after 45s on Mocambo and Funk Night Records. Their critically acclaimed debut album “Origin of Forms” mixed by Henry Jenkins, producer of the Australian cult band Surprise Chef, came out on Record Kicks in 2022. The vinyl went sold out in few weeks and is now in-demand on the international cinematic funk scene. “Origin of Forms” was chosen as record of the month on FIP (Radio France) and received great reviews from outlets such as Wax Poetics, Mojo, Rolling Stone FR, Clash, Uncut and support by Jamie Cullum (BBC2), KEXP, Radio France and Huey Morgan, Don Letts, Cerys Matthews and Tom Ravenscroft of BBC 6 Music.
Calibro 35 New Single & Video “Jazz Carnival”
Cinematic combo Calibro 35 unleashes a ferocious version of “Jazz Carnival” (Azymuth’s cover). “Jazz Carnival” is the third single from their upcoming new album “Exploration” due June 06. Watch the ‘studio session’ video of the song.
Italian cinematic funk legends Calibro 35 unleash the new single “Jazz Carnival”, a cover of Brazilian legendary jazz-funk trio Azymuth from 1979. Calibro’s version – a furious and fuzzy jazz-funk stormer – is out now on digital platforms. “Jazz Carnival” is the third extract from Calibro 35’s forthcoming new album “Exploration”, due June 06 via independent Milan-based label Record Kicks.
PRE-ORDER ALBUM (LP/CD): HERE
PURCHASE 45 VINYL: HERE
“Sometimes music changes its meaning depending on where it is listened to. This is clear when we consider how this Brazilian jazz-funk song managed to cross the ocean and hit the charts in England in 1980 while it became very popular in Italy for being used as the theme song for Rai 2’s Tv program “Mixer”. It’s a song with a memorable theme and a groove that leaves no room to breathe, one of those songs where, before playing it, you tell yourself: ‘see you at the end!’” explain Calibro 35.
“Jazz Carnival” comes with a video directed by Giacomo Citro showing Calibro 35 recording the track at Sound Workshop, Piero Umiliani’s historic recording studio in Rome. The video also reveals the spirit behind the creation of the new album, which could be summarized in three key points: thirst for exploration, fun and Calibro’s musicianship.
Seun Kuti feat. Kamasi Washington
Seun Kuti shares “Move (Keep Moving Version)” feat. Kamasi Washington taken from “Heavier Yet Deluxe Edition” out May 28 via Record Kicks and featuring De La Soul’s Pos, Adi Oasis and announces the European tour.
Afrobeat royalty Seun Kuti joins forces with jazz icon Kamasi Washington to share “Move (Keep Moving Version)” via Record Kicks. Listen here. The track is a reimagination off his critically acclaimed, Lenny Kravitz-produced, album “Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)”. This new version is part of the album’s deluxe edition to be released next month on May 28, with additional features from De La Soul’s Pos, Adi Oasis and more. Coming off two knockout performances at this year’s Coachella, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 have just announced the “Heavier Yet Deluxe Tour”, a new set of spring/summer European shows including the UK, Portugal, Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Poland, North Macedonia and Germany. All dates and tickets here.
The Kuti and Washington collaboration is a powerful melding of Afrobeat and spiritual jazz—a meeting of minds and movements where both artists, known for their social commentary, come together with purpose. Washington’s sax amplifies Kuti’s lyrical urgency, creating a transcendent rhythmic call to action that overwhelms the senses with revolutionary positivity from every angle.
Saxophone giant Kamasi Washington is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader born and raised in Los Angeles. His four bodies of work to date— “The Epic”; “Harmony of Difference”; “Heaven and Earth”, and “Fearless Movement” —are among the most acclaimed of this century. In 2020, Washington scored the Michelle Obama documentary “Becoming”, earning Emmy and Grammy nominations for his work. Also in 2020, Washington co-founded the supergroup Dinner Party with longtime friends and collaborators Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, and 9th Wonder—their EP “Dinner Party (Dessert)” was subsequently nominated for a Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album. In 2021, he contributed a cover of Metallica’s “My Friend of Misery” to the band’s “Metallica Blacklist” covers project. Washington has toured the world, collaborated and shared stages with Kendrick Lamar, Florence + the Machine, Herbie Hancock, and many more.
Seun Kuti is the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He has spent most of his life preserving and extending his father’s political and musical legacy as the leader of Fela’s former band Egypt 80. As a developing saxophonist and percussionist, he entered the formal ranks of the band before he was 12. In 1997 when Fela passed, in fulfilment of his father’s wishes, Seun assumed the mantle as head of Egypt 80 and he has run it ever since. During his career, Seun Kuti released 5 albums with Egypt 80 and collaborated with many great artists such as MC extraordinaire Black Thought, Janelle Monae, Talib Kweli, MadLib and Damian Marley. His latest album is Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head), praised by critics as “his greatest and most powerful yet.”