Los Angeles-based sextet, West Indian Girl, crafts a distinct sound that’s seemingly rooted between the majestic hills of Laurel Canyon and the deep blue horizons of the Pacific Ocean.
From their beginnings as a studio project between founders Robert James and Francis Ten, the band expanded following the release of their self-titled debut album on Astralwerks to their current six-piece configuration; demonstrating in the process an exemplary ability to evolve from what is expected.
West Indian Girl Appears On:
[SHMLP03A] [SHMLP03B]
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Based out of San Francisco, the 40 Thieves are a music collective, DJs and friends. Drawing on various superpowers the members combine forces to create their own brand of future/soul/dance songs and short comedy skits for Smash Hit and other fine labels around the globe.
40 Thieves appear on:
[SHMEP06] [SHMEP07] [SHMEP09] [SHMEP10]
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Straight out of Camden, NJ, Gary “The Professor” Davis is a living legend who continues to deliver the goods. First known for his role as #1 stud of the P&P Records stable, he went on to write and produce one of the rarest grooves of all time, The Chocolate Star EP. Today Gary writes new music and produces his own brand of indie thriller films while inspiring a whole new generation to keep on keepin’ on.
Gary Davis appears on:
[SHMLP02] [SHMEP10] [SHMEP11]
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Mr. Chinn is an enigma. Last seen living somewhere out west doing what he describes as “god’s work”, Chinn is equal parts Robin Hood and unicorn. He paired with Gary Davis to bring us A New Jersey Story and Chocolate Star EP II, but enjoys working with other like minded souls as well.
Mr. Chinn appears on:
[SHMLP02] [SHMEP10] [SHMEP11]
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Ben Cook, aka Stranger, was raised on a steady diet of disco and early dance music. He didn’t waste time getting busy, crafting his first album at the young age of 18 for Noid as Thick as Thieves. Today he healms the mighty Rong Music with partner DJ Spun, and continues to create music for the mystics under several monikors.
Stranger appears on:
[SHMLP01] [SHMEP01] [SHMLP04]
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Fernando Rios was raised in an environment that turned weaker souls into aimless thugs but kept his head down and his heart stong. With his younger brother they began producing house and hip hop songs to keep busy, while drawing inspiration from their parents’ disco and soul record collection. Blasting into recent history with a flurry of disco business for the likes of Tiny Sticks, Permanent Vacation, Lektroluv and Grayhound, Michoacan’s sound will be heard around the world as long as boomboxes continue to exist.
Michoacan appears on:
[SHMEP08]
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Simone Fedi is the closest thing to Italo we know on a first name basis. Dispite coming from a metal background Fedi wears his disco pants tight, and can now be found around Europe toting records and drum machines from gig to gig. He produces under his proper surname as well as AMP, and both guises prove to be equally captivating on the dance floor.
Astral Manhole Project appears on:
[SHMEP09]
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Derek Boyd aka The Dead Seal is exactly who you want to meet in a dark alley. When he’s not slapping bass with bandmates Landshark, he DJs and makes fun music that chicks dig. We love you Derek.
The Dead Seal appears on:
[SHMEP06]
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Tad Wily (Matt Kuderski) has had an interesting life. With an upbringing that includes sculpting in art school, playing in bands that range from post-rock to jazz and hunkering down in an artist colony circa ‘04 in a far-out place called Gdansk. These days it all rolls up into verbed out proto dance boogie and post rock party anthems that we dig!
Tad Wily appears on:
[SHMEP13][SHMEP18]
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Return to Sender hail from Utah and stole our hearts with their stripped down sounds, retro edge and most of all a made up drunken language. Not bad for a few youngsters with access to alcohol. Keep it up guys- we likey!
Return to Sender appears on:
[SHMEP12]
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James Curd should require no introduction but for my mom who probably checks out the site every now and then, raised on the distinct and powerful local sounds of Chicago, he’s been making awesome world class dance music since the late 90’s, first as Greenkeepers, then finally these days as himself! The disco tracks he sent us fit perfectly alongside the records we collect and the sound we purvey so it was a happy day to receive them. He’s also behind the Ziggy Franklin project, with quite a catchy sound of its own and already picking up devoted fans around the world. Keep going James!
James Curd appears on:
[SHMEP15][SHMEP16][SHMLP04]
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Marbeya Sound exist halfway between San Francisco, Mexico City and Outer Space. Blending and bending their influences which range from progressive rock to IDM and house, the result is a smooth cosmic ride to be sure. Their compositions are always thoughtful, endearing, captivating and never dull. Word to the wise…the next time you’re driving up the coast at dusk, toss on some Marbeya and enjoy the ride!
Marbeya Sound appears on:
[SHMEP17]
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Our good friends Eo and Kenneth from the soon-to-be legendary 222 club of SF even spend their spare time together. With a shared collection of modified synths and drum machines, we can’t blame them. Their music is slow, tripped out sunrise musical nectar of the highest magnitude, and since their live sets are largely improvisational, the songs are never the same twice. Luckily, they hooked up with a hot shot studio and laid down a few takes that we caught on tape. We welcome you to the world of Moniker!
Moniker appears on:
[SHMEP19][SHMLP5]
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