Fast-rising Dutch DJ/producer BELLA becomes the first new artist signing to Sally C’s Big Saldo’s Chunkers imprint, with the inspiring ‘Note to Self’ EP – her debut production.

Relationships are key for Sally C. Since the inception of Big Saldo’s Chunkers in 2020, she’s released three carefully chosen EPs, all from her own studio. When she met BELLA while playing a festival in Amsterdam during summer 2022, the click was instantaneous, with the pair going on to play an impromptu b2b that day. Vibing both musically and energetically, they kept in touch, with BELLA sending Sally her maiden productions ‘Note To Self’ and ‘Orchestra Spring’. Sally connected so deeply with the tracks that they’d form the backbone of her debut artist EP on Big Saldo’s Chunkers.

One listen to the final EP and it’s not hard to see why Sally wanted to emboss them as Chunkers. Three fresh originals taking in influence from ‘90s house, acid, electro and prog, all with a unique hard-to-pin-down energy that makes them hit with a special swing.

The title track – also the first production made for the EP - sees BELLA lay down a sonic blueprint – both for her own sound and the full body of work. “This set the vibe and guided me through the creative process. I was really trying to make something that felt my own, that was also unique and not something I’ve heard before,” she shares. ‘Note to Self’ is heavy on attitude and bounce, driven by banging old skool drums, a rapid-fire grime-style vocal and a duo of synth lines – one uplifting, the other mining a slick ‘80s sheen, and the results are memorable. An absolute tune that Sally’s delighted to add to the Chunker catalogue.

‘Orchestra Spring’ is the perky sequel, a wicked one-two punch of kaleidoscopic groovy house with lashings of attitude that loves to scribble outside the lines with lots of retro samples and trippy energy. ‘Odd Symphony’ completes the trio, a blazing late-night cut driven by a gurgling acid underbelly, gritty drums and warm chords, giving the EP a brilliant afterglow.

Olsvangèr – one of Sally’s favourite producers – steps up for remix duties of ‘Odd Symphony’, and delivers a dynamic re-rub that begins in upbeat house territory, before taking an interlude in perkier rave realms.

“I'm over the moon to be releasing this EP on Sally’s label. It’s really special to have someone who I look up to release my music. She has given me tremendous support and guidance over the last two years, always ready to chat or give me some advice. It was a big surprise and honour when she suggested releasing the tracks on her label. It feels like a perfect fit. It’s super sweet to share this journey with her.” – BELLA

"I’m so excited to welcome BELLA to the label for her debut EP. It was time to take this next step and open the Chunkers door to new artists. I couldn’t think of a better one than BELLA to debut her fresh Chunkers on the label. Three banging originals by an extremely talented artist which I’ve been playing ever since she sent me the tracks. Polished with an Olsvangèr remix, it’s a really strong four track EP." – SALLY C

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Sally enlists some outside help for her Chunkers imprint, with Dutch producer Bella perfectly hitting the label's modus operandi.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Note To Self
A2. Orchestra Spring
B1. Odd Symphony
B2. Odd Symphony (Olsvangèr Remix)

The love for Sally C’s sound and burgeoning label shows no sign of slowing down. Last year’s ‘Big Saldo’s Chunkers 002’ was a phenomenon. Led by ‘Downtown’, which became one of the most beloved tracks of the year, it secured over 30 BBC Radio 1 plays and genre-crossing support from Peggy Gou to TSHA and Bradley Zero. Critical acclaim came from Bandcamp, RA and beyond.

Launched in 2020 with ‘Big Saldo’s Chunkers 001’ that’s currently on its fourth repress, the Chunker sound is special to all those who know it. Taking influence from artists including K-Hand and Fast Eddie, Sally draws on the sensibilities of classic US house music, crafting unique dancefloor cuts that don’t compromise on quality.

Active on the release front over the last 12 months with well-received remixes of Obongjayar, LB aka LABAT and a fresh original on Rhythm Section, we witness a noticeable evolution in her sound with BSC003. “I wanted to challenge myself when writing this record. I still haven’t released a full EP on another label, so I wanted to pair straight up Chunkers with something a bit different to shake up the Chunker energy,” she shares.

The four-tracker opens with ‘All Love’, a joyous house banger that swaps out Sally’s trademark Chunker bassline for a sexier groove. When the euphoric piano breakdown kicks in, soon accompanied by the ‘dance’ vocal on repeat, we’re reminded of the exultant power of rave. ‘

Hit It’ follows, a proper Chunker to the core. A hip house-informed jam, it’s packed full of tight drums, stabs, sirens and one of Sally’s monster Chunker b-lines. An absolute tune!

‘Control’ is a low-slung roller, encapsulating her love for simplistic production principles that birth memorable results. A headsy offering ripe for the after-hours.

‘‘Get Up’ is an ice-cool slab born out of a jam on a drum machine that hits at 144bpm. “I wasn’t sure how this would fit on the record being this speed, but it’s exactly what I envisioned when I wanted to challenge myself more. It’s raw and rolling and as soon as I made it, I knew it fitted into the Chunker family,” Sally explains.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Loud and wobbly chunkers from rising star Sally C who fires over the third volume of her cult series. The formula hasn't changed it's just gotten more refined!

TRACK LISTING

A1. All Love
A2. Hit It
B1. Control
B2. Get Up