TDR Presents: Opolopo Mutants

Last year, I was introduced to powerhouse producer and Hungarian born musician, Opolopo. Strange name, yet a strong and simple definition meaning "Plenty" in Yoruban gives validity to the man's abilities behind the boards. For over a decade, his sound has played behind the works of various labels and artists, some I may have heard but would have to research for familiarity. Voltage Controlled Feelings (which is not his debut) released on Tokyo Dawn Records presented an array of funked out vibes in combination with a sonic blend of 80's inspired R&B, techno synths and future electronic sounds. Tracks like "Glide" "Take it Slow" and "Waiting" all had me moving and contorting my body in ways it hasn't done since I was a teen. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but seriously, I bounced and jerked my body uncontrollably to the rhythms as they blared from my speakers. Before now (Mutants), his full production on Amalia's Art Slave brought more attention to his diversity in the lab which churned out some gems for this album. Amalia, with her very passionate vocals and stylish groove worked wonderfully with Opolopo's new production course. I heard influences from Janet Jackson's - Rhythm Nation and Guy's - The Future (both classic albums) throughout the project.

Now on Mutants it's all about the remixes he has done. Scheduled for release on December 5th, the 14 track album is filled with some banging tunes. Taking on tracks which feature artists like Talib Kweli, Amalia,  Colonel Red, Gregory Porter, Soulparlor and more, this one is a great introduction for those who aren't familiar and a true gift for those like myself who has heard one or two of these remixes, but doesn't own any - until now.

Lisa Preston aka LP - M.U.S.I.C (Opolopo rmx)  

Yellowtail - Back to The Melody (Opolopo rmx)

Tokyo Dawn Records Presents: Vindahl - Serendipity

Tokyo Dawn Records drops their latest project, Serendipity: an indie, electronic, disco & pop oriented sounds produced primarily by Ronni Vindahl. Due to numerous postponements, this has been a labor of over four years for Vindahl.  Serendipity combines the bold sounds Vindahl has created with lyrical insights from his work in philosophy and art galleries. I personally didn't feel this release as much as previous works from TDR as well as the work Vindahl has done with Boom Clap Bachelors, but you may feel different, so peep two of my personal favorites below, then head on over to the site to hear for self.

Ronni Vindahl - Head over Heels ft Coco of Quadron

Ronni Vindahl - Down

Tokyo Dawn Records Presents - The Heart Vol 2.

Prepare your ears for the new Tokyo Dawn Records release! Dropping July 29th, The Heart Vol 2 (CD) introduces listeners again to a host of great creative musical talent. The 16 song playlist features tunes from forthcoming TDR albums by Colonel Red, Vindahl and Portformat alongside a few unreleased and previously released tracks by Reggie B, Hazel and my dude, Classicbeatz. I had it playing while getting dinner ready, and it was the perfect vibe to accompany me as I prepare to close out my night. Check out 2 of many favorites from the project then head on over to Tokyo Dawn Records and support the digital version available now.  

Erik Rico & Marc Mac - Just Love

Reggie B - It Gets Better

Tokyo Dawn Records Presents: Amalia - Art Slave

Tokyo Dawn's first lady Amalia will be dropping her debut album Art Slave on March 4, 2011. The project is a kaleidoscope of future sounds that combines producer Opolopo's eclectic style with the soulful tones of Amalia's driven vocals.  One can gather from various tracks that the late 80s, early 90s New Jack Swing and Boogie vibes were the main influences for this project. Peep the featured gem below and make sure to pick up your copy of Art Slave on March 4th.   

Amalia - 4U

Opolopo - Voltage Controlled

Tokyo Dawn Records is back with another eclectic project. This time Swedish synth composer Opolopo presents his electro, funk - boogie album, "Voltage Controlled Feelings." The album has a futuristic sound, yet it captures the feeling of the late 70's and early eighties sounds which reminds me of my youthful days back in Brooklyn N.Y. Features include L.A. vocalist Erik Rico, UK acid jazz hit singer Farah, Toronto-based jazz vocalist Sacha Williamson and Stockholm-based oral transmorpher of sounds and words Amalia 'Miz Fuze' Townsend. The project's release date is December 3rd, but you can get a taste of it below as well as the mixtape here.

Opolopo - The Singularity

Opolopo - Bonafide ft Amalia

SWEDE:ART - Emotional Colors Remixes

I totally forgot I had this to post. New Tokyo Dawn Records project, SWEDE:ART - Emotional Colors Remixes is 14 interesting remixes to Swede:art's highly successful boombap album 'Emotional Colors'. Most of the artists and producers on here are new to me with the exception of B. Bravo, Pursuit Grooves, Black Spade and Devonwho, but the project is a good mix of electronic grooves, ambient vibes, house and hip hop flavor. The CD of the project releases on Oct 21st, but the mp3 format is available now for purchase via here. Check out two of my favs below.

Embrace The Chill ft. Pursuit Grooves & Comfort Fit (Matt Flores rmx)

Linguistics ft. Stray - Sam lRl rmx

Tokyo Dawn Records Presents: The Heart

The Heart is Tokyo Dawn Records' newest release for 2010. A compilation project of 18 songs from a variety of artists - some new to me like Addiquit, Slow Drag Travellers & fLako to more familiar names like Reggie B, Jimetta Rose & Georgia Ann Muldrow. I just got through the entire record today, and for the most part - minus a few tracks it's pretty solid. The Heart will hit all major stores on September 17th , but a special pre-release edition can now be downloaded here. Peep two of my favorites from the project below.

Jay Scarlett - Gentle Persuasions ft Reggie B

Vindahl - Head Over Heels ft Coco