Brownswood Remix Editions 007 sees Brownswood Recordings return to two classic moments from its back catalogue, offering a new vinyl edition of standout reworks by Moodymann and Yoruba Soul. Both remixes have become favourites among collectors and DJs alike, and this release brings them together on wax for the first time in over a decade.

The A-side features Moodymann’s remix of José James’ 'Desire', a seductive and slow-burning reinterpretation first released in 2008. With his signature raw soul and deep house textures, the Detroit visionary stretches out the track into a hypnotic, late-night groove—balancing José’s smooth vocal delivery with dusty drums and smoky atmosphere.

On the flip, Osunlade—under his Yoruba Soul alias—reimagines Ben Westbeech’s 'So Good Today', transforming it into a gently percussive, spiritually infused house cut. Drawing from Afro-Caribbean rhythms and warm keys, the remix remains one of the most enduring and beloved versions of Westbeech’s breakout track.

Though both remixes have long been available digitally or on separate releases, Brownswood Remix Editions 007 brings them together in a unified edition that highlights Brownswood’s long standing commitment to collaboration, reinterpretation, and timeless sound.

TRACK LISTING

1. José James - Desire (Moodymann Remix)
2. Ben Westbeech - So Good Today (Yoruba Soul Remix) 

‘Tuff Times Never Last’ is a spirited and vibrant collection of songs serving as an optimistic reminder to tightly hold and embrace the many dualities that occur in life. Over the course of the 11-song suite, the album explores togetherness, community, sensuality, childhood, loss and above all perseverance.

Initially drawing inspiration from a viral social media meme, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said of the title’s origins and meaning: “It’s true! Although we’re reflecting on joy and celebration, you realize that a lot of that beauty comes out of challenges and difficulties. It felt like a natural truth that we discovered whilst writing”.

The accompanying artwork was painted by Luci Pina, the acclaimed illustrator whose work has been sought and commissioned by the likes of The Cut, Soho House, DICE, Apple Music and It’s Nice That. Embedded within the image is Kokoroko’s ode to London in the summer. Speaking on its design, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: “The remit was summer in London, family and sense of everyone being in a congregation-like audience, and us being the musicians”.

The artwork’s imagery and colour was inspired by feelings of innocence and nostalgia - coming of age in London and those rare summer nights where everything felt full of hope. The cityscape also pays homage to Spike Lee’s 1994 film ‘Crookyln’ and Rick Famuyiwa’s 1999 opus ‘The Wood’. The band saw these movies as heartwarming representations of black family, community and resilience that served as a balm for them as Londoners. Speaking further on this, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said: “‘Crooklyn’ is very emotional, but also very uplifting. It felt like how I grew up. This album is us sharing our own feelings, hopes and dreams. We didn’t always have those stories in the UK”

Three years on from their debut album ‘Could We Be More’ which peaked at No.30 on the UK Albums Chart and received acclaim from The Guardian, The Telegraph, Financial Times, Jazzwise, CRACK Magazine and Downbeat Magazine, ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ sees the London band with careless abandon expand their wide-ranging palette and influences.

While the afrobeat jazz of their previous work is still a core part of the record’s sonic design, the new album largely pulls from British R&B from the 80s, neo-soul, West African disco, bossa nova, lovers rock and funk. Sonically taking cues from the likes of Loose Ends, Don Blackman, Common, Sly & Robbie, William Onyeabor, Patrice Rushen, Ofori Amponsah and Cymande. Throughout this instinctive evolution, the septet's seasoned musicianship preserves the essence of who Kokoroko are as masterful jazz artisans.

Speaking on the band’s progression in sound, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: “Innately, we’re jazz musicians but we've tried not to kind of box ourselves into one sound. So there is a level of freedom we're starting to feel. We want to continue being as creative as possible without feeling any boundaries”.

STAFF COMMENTS

Millie says: Kokoroko’s second studio album ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ is a literal message, a beautiful dose of optimism, joy and that resilience with the help of music and community, it might just all be ok in the end - if not better.

You can really get the sense that the 8-piece band have grown their sound from more Afrobeat jazz, to being influenced by soul, R&B, bossa nova and quite a range more. The progression of their style feels like an organic movement into this new chapter and I’m all for it. Vibrant, emotive, almost as though a snapshot of Summer 2025.

“Never Lost” has got to be my favourite track from the album, the harmonies they reach, the emotions it evokes, it really encapsulates the feeling of golden sunshine on your face. The album holds the sentiment that, with the people closest to you held tightly, it’s true, good times are only around the corner.

TRACK LISTING

A1 Never Lost
A2 Sweetie
A3 Closer To Me
A4 My Father In Heaven
A5 Idea 5 (Call My Name) [feat. LULU.]
A6 Three Piece Suit (feat. Azekel)
B1 Time And Time (feat. Demae)
B2 Da Du Dah
B3 Together We Are
B4 Just Can’t Wait
B5 Over / Reprise

Brownswood Remix Editions 006 continues the label’s tradition of outstanding remixes, revisiting its archives with a spirit of exploration and reverence. This latest edition focuses on Como Como by Mala featuring Dreiser & Sexto Sentido—originally featured on Mala’s acclaimed 2012 album Mala in Cuba—and presents both the original track and a striking reinterpretation by Theo Parrish. Together, they offer two essential cuts that embody Brownswood’s dedication to pushing musical boundaries.

Theo Parrish, a key figure in Detroit’s house and techno scene, is renowned for his deeply soulful, genre-blurring productions and DJ sets. His remix of Como Como draws on his signature style, combining raw grooves, layered percussion, and an expansive sense of space that reframes Mala’s original with hypnotic intensity and depth.

TRACK LISTING

1. Mala - Como Como (feat. Dreiser & Sexto Sentido)
2. Mala - Como Como (feat. Dreiser & Sexto Sentido) - Theo Parrish Remix

Warm, rich and sumptuous in sound, ‘Three Piece Suit’ is a heartwarming tribute to the Nigerian immigrant experience. An initial draft of the track first began life at Kokoroko’s studio under the working title ‘Get The Message’.

Crackling through the track’s snug and patiently arranged grooves are subtle touches of funk, adding new dimensions to the band's signature afrobeat and jazz sound in a way that recalls the work of Cymande. Further caressing the instrumentation is the incorporation of the Brazilian nose flute and woozy-sounding synth lines, effortlessly transporting the listeners back in time.

The EP marks Kokoroko’s first dose of new music since the release of ‘Could We Be More Remixes’. The experimental and kaleidoscopic sister project to their 2022 debut album ‘Could We Be More’ which upon initial release earned critical plaudits from the likes of The Guardian, The Telegraph, Financial Times, Jazzwise, CRACK Magazine and Downbeat Magazine. The release would also garner their first Top 40 placement on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at No.30.

Enlisting some of contemporary music’s most forward-thinking artists like KeiyaA, Ash Lauryn, Stefan Ringer and Hagan to re-imagine the original album through a club-focused lens, ‘Could We Be More Remixes’ marked the beginning of the band being cast beyond spaces unrelated to the jazz sphere. A signal of their incoming next phase.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: One of my favourite groups from the modern jazz scene, Kokoroko serve up another delicious table of sumptuous horns, rich bass and thrumming drums. It's an absolute delight on the ears, with the musicians on the very top of the game.

TRACK LISTING

1. Higher
2. Sweeter Than
3. My Prayer
4. Three Piece Suit (feat. Azekel)

Welcome to ‘STR4TASFEAR, Bluey and Gilles’ second STR4TA album released.

A collection of songs, melodies, grooves and sounds that sit perfectly in the brand new music world it’s part of. Gilles and Bluey are both men who emerged into the Brit funk world. They were both part of this truly thrilling chapter in the story of homegrown music; which manifests itself here in a sumptuous mixture of twanging basslines, spacey synth melodies, clicking beats and wispy, ethereal voices.

And for this new set, they’ve got a few like-minded souls along to join the party. Multi-talented Neo-soul Godfather Omar, and celebrated vocalist, Valerie Etienne, both represent Brit funk’s first bounce. Also welcomed in to the fold is musical polymath, Emma-Jean Thackray, Brighton duo Anushka and Floridian trumpeter/vocalist Theo Croker. ‘STR4TASFEAR’ is Gilles and Bluey’s wide-open window into a timeless, wonderful world of Brit funk (Words by Mark Webster, 2022).

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Str4ta make music that hints at the Brit-funk roots of both members, but transforms into something more than the sum of their parts. It's richly dynamic and endlessly twists from funk to disco via hip-hop and soul, effortlessly blazing paths between definitions with ease.

TRACK LISTING

1. Galactic Fanfare
2. City Sounds
3. Turn Me Around
4. When You Call Me
5. Why Must You Fly (feat. Omar)
6. To Be As One (feat. Theo Croker)
7. (Bring On The) Bad Weather (feat. Anushka)
8. Reflections (Chaser 1)
9. Night Flight 05:25
10. Soothsayer (feat. Theo Croker)
11. Reflections (Chaser 2)
12. Lazy Days (feat. Emma-Jean Thackray)
13. Find Your Heaven (feat. Valerie Etienne)
14. Virgil (Vocal Version)
15. Something, Anything

Latest volume of the Future Bubblers series - the 9 track compilation is a musically diverse collection of tracks, fusing genres that span across electronic, alt-R&B, alt-hip-hop, spoken word, neo-soul, jazz and beyond. Spanning just under 40 minutes, Future Bubblers 5.0 is an extremely impressive assemblage of talent who have all delivered top-shelf singles - the compilation embodies the spirit of the musicians as well as the team behind Future Bubblers.

STAFF COMMENTS

Millie says: Future Bubblers are back with their fifth instalment on the Brownswood label, not afraid to be different and showcase talent that deserves a platform. This has it all - Hip Hop, Nu Jazz and Afrobeat to name a few. V much enjoying it on the turntable this morning.

TRACK LISTING

1. Magoya - The Most Beautiful Lie Feat. Ella Knight.
2. Mark Cake - Hoon
3. Ella Knight - It Don't Matter
4. NeOne The Wonderer - Nose Dive
5. Conrad Ellis - Make It Last
6. Damos Room - Soft Bodied (Widow's Reprise)
7. Shakira Alleyne - Floating Soul
8. Madi Saskia - Fast Or Slow
9. Griz-O & JSSO Project - Tabou Remix Feat. Kalliope

The afrobeat-inspired eight-piece Kokoroko drop their hotly-anticipated debut, a horn-fuelled, soul-shaking introduction to the young collective.

Kokoroko are part of the thriving scene that’s grown out of london’s young, jazz-influenced musical circles. Led by bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey, their self-titled ep is the group’s first solo release, following their early 2018 debut with ‘Abusey Junction’, a track that has gone on to accrue over 15 million plays on youtube and 2.6 million on spotify. Across the E.P’s four tracks, the eight-piece deliver on the promise of that memorable introduction, offering a bigger vision of their afrobeat-influenced, soulfully-imbued sound, west african roots shaded with inner London hues.

‘Abusey Junction’ was first featured on we out here, the 2018 Brownswood compilation documenting London’s bright-burning, jazz-influenced musical underground, picked by Rough Trade as compilation of the year 2018, and praised by the Wire, Monocle and the New York Times. Writing and performing as a group since 2014, Kokoroko have played at iconic venues from ronnie scott’s, performed at the festival, Afropunk, and toured in Brazil, Colombia and France. Inspired by Fela Kuti, Ebo Taylor, Tony Allen and the great sounds that come out of West Africa, Kokoroko put on a performance to honour the masters that taught them.

TRACK LISTING

1. Adwa
2. Ti-De
3. Uman
4. Abusey Junction

Troumaca release their brilliant debut album 'The Grace' on Brownswood Recordings. Drawing inspiration from love, honour and warmer climes, the Birmingham five piece have created a longplayer that draws on tropical rhythms and textures more commonly associated with the Caribbean than the Midlands, filtered through pirate radio and the perpetually shifting dance music underground. Spacious and ancient, 'The Grace' is an album bred out of a love affair with UK bass music - you might even call it bass escapism.

The relationship with the homeland runs deep, from the gentle ring of steel pans on 'Gold, Women & Wine' to the warm sub bass that permeates the record from beginning to end. It was those frequencies that first resonated with school friends Sam Baylis, Geoff Foulkes and Jim Nayak who delved into garage and house music with gusto: “We hung out, did the usual teenage thing and got stoned and jammed together,” says Geoff. Joined by kindred spirits Tom Gregory and Matt Duke, the circle was complete: “We all enjoy the same music, we go to the same raves in Brum. The musical affinity has always been there.”

TRACK LISTING

1. Trees
2. Sanctify
3. Gold, Women & Wine
4. Kingdom
5. The Sun
6. Interlude
7. Tiger Eye
8. Ivory
9. Layou
10. Lady Colour
11. The Grace