{"title":"Wah Wah 45s","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWah Wah 45s\u003c\/strong\u003e is a UK independent label releasing music since 1999, with a catalogue that moves through soul, jazz, funk and beyond. Its recent orbit includes \u003cstrong\u003eSoothsayers\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eAfla Sackey\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eDele Sosimi\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eHoneyfeet\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eIsaac Birituro and The Rail Abandon\u003c\/strong\u003e, pointing to a broad, groove-led outlook.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-confluence","title":"The Confluence","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfrobeat ambassador Dele Sosimi's new album 'The Confluence' has been recorded and produced with Essex musician Sam Duckworth, aka Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly; and a team of specially assembled musicians under the banner of \"The Estuary 21\" - with the name of the nearby river and the year, being a clue to future Confluence projects. Recorded over a multitude of sessions in 2021, this new set of songs flow with the sounds of Afrobeat, jazz, and worldly pop, and feelings of freedom, strength, and collaborative dynamism as a balm for life changing events.\n\nDele and Sam were introduced at Felabration 2012, the annual commemoration of the music of Fela Kuti, and promised to work together in the near future. With many live collaborations, at Afrobeat Vibration, Kentish Town Forum and lots of hanging out and mutual love, nearly ten years passed before the two musicians connected in Sam's hometown of Southend-On-Sea in a post-lockdown creative boom, recording the album over a burst of week-long sessions in 2021. The Estuary 21 band is completed by Callum Green (The Sleeping Souls, GCWCF), Philip Van Den Brandeler (Pocket Dragon, GCWCF), Pete Fraser (The Pogues, Field Music), Afla Sackey (Afla Sackey \u0026amp; Afrik Bawantu, Ibibio Sound Machine), Aby Dosunmu (Dele Sosimi), Sam Ewens (Myles Sanko) with special guest appearances from Sam Eagle and Essex percussion legend, Snowboy.\n\nBorn in Hackney, East London, but soon to return to his parents' native Nigeria at the age of four, Dele Sosimi was schooled and raised in Fela Anikulapo Kuti's commune (which he now refers to as his university of life). After Fela's passing in 1997, Dele went on to focus on developing his solo career and, honing his creative talents, and with much patience on his part, carved out his own Afrobeat crown. His last album, 'You No Fit Touch Am' (2015), was a critical success with Songlines writing \"Afrobeat will never die so long as Dele's around\", Clash declaring it \"blistering Afro-funk from a true legend\", The Quietus calling it \"so fresh, while staying true to the template\", and David Hutcheon's four star Mojo review said it was \"a deeper, moodier collection than other Shrine veterans have released lately\".\n\nA veteran at 36 years old, Sam Duckworth has been releasing music as Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly for half of his life. A catalogue that includes four top 40 singles, two top 40 albums (including the gold certified 'Chronicles of A Bohemian Teenager' that recently celebrated its 15th anniversary), a German club number 1 single and collaborations with artists ranging from Shy FX, Baaba Maal, Lily Allen and Jehst. Recently, Duckworth produced Benjamin Frances Leftwich's album 'To Carry A Whale' and has been working on the forthcoming album by Kate Nash.\n\nAlbum 'Dele Sosimi \u0026amp; The Estuary 21' is set for release on 7th April 2023 on LP and digital. The band play live at London's Jazz Cafe on the same date with tickets available now.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"12\"","offer_id":50383610839371,"sku":"2014745","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50383610577227,"sku":"2014743","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_7ceccd99_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726273985"},{"product_id":"small-small","title":"Small Small","description":"\u003cp\u003eSmall Smallis a very Ghanaian saying, a direct translation to English, which is used in a wide variety of contexts to mean 'bit by bit,' 'one step at a time' or 'slow and steady'. Vocalist and musician Sonny Johns, from The Rail Abandon, was first introduced to the phrase on his initial trip to Ghana in 2016, when he met Isaac in Kalba, and the phrase has popped up over and over ever since.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe rise of the BLM movement during this period also made a big impact on a project designed to unite people, bring equality and encourage mutual respect. The death of Tony Allen also hit us hard early in this period too -Tony (also of maternal Ghanaian heritage) was a person who united West African and European musics and cultures seamlessly and was instrumental in bringing together (indirectly) the music of Isaac Birituro \u0026amp; The Rail Abandon. So, we finished this albumSmall Smallover the intense year of 2020 influenced by the difficulties that we, and the world, have been through. The album is about loss, frustration and struggle, but it's also about the light at the end of the tunnel; about overcoming difficulties to find a brighter future and no matter what separates us, whether that be language, culture, continents or borders, when we listen to each other and learn from each other, there's really not much that can keep us apart. So from everyone involved, here's to a brighter future.\" Sonny Johns from The Rail Abandon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Rail Abandon is a play on the name Rail band - the short title ofThe Super Rail Band of the Buffet Hotel de la Gare, Bamako -a band from Bamako, Mali including such greats as Salif Keita and the more importantly the guitarist Dejimady Tounkara. Inspired by his playing the group were given the moniker The Rail Abandon as a way to release music without a face, specific name or singer. The line up is different depending on the music. Due to a joint love of African musics from across the continent, the core at the moment is Sonny Johns on vocals and guitar, Raph Clarkson on trombone and keyboards, and Israeli musician Yuval Wetlzer on drums and percussion, but it can incorporate any, all, none or more than these people.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs well as the core group, the album also features a number of special guests, including Ghanaian powerhouse vocalist Wiyaala; UK based Afrobeat Ambassador Dele Sosimi; the incredible Queen Ayesha and South African singer Nosihe.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50384336978251,"sku":"2000704","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Small_Small_a51d2c5f_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726295692"},{"product_id":"kontonbili-ep","title":"Kontonbili EP","description":"\u003cp\u003eFollowing on from the successes of their first two LPs, \"Kalba\" and \"Small Small\", Isaac Birituro \u0026amp; The Rail Abandon return with the \"Kontonbili EP\". A collection of seven tracks that trace the traditional West African roots of their sound whilst adding their unique touch, largely courtesy of Isaac's xylophone, Sonny Johns' folky embellishments and the vocal prowess of powerful Ghanaian songstress Wiyaala. \n\n\nThe lead single \"Hado Deeli\" roughly translates to \"My Rival\" and is a vibrant discussion between two rivals, one of whom is always making a fuss about anything and everything, even when things are all good! \"Gargar\", with its collaboration of xylophone, whistles, Wiyaala's effervescent vocals and relentless groove represents, quite literally, the band's \"joining together\" for this EP. In contrast, \"I Know\" sees Sonny Johns takes over lead vocal duties to lament the breakdown of a relationship accompanied by muted horns and Wiyaala's soothing backing vocals. \"Nimmbalia\" continues in a mellow and reassuring tone before emerging as one of the most uplifting and simultaneously fierce cuts on the EP! The traditional version of \"Bawa\" - the original take of which can be found on last year's \"Small Small\" LP - strips things back a little, before culminating in a battle of xylophone, whistles and choir. \"Yeri Villa\" has a wonderfully laid back, sun drenched feel with some truly beautiful vocal refrains, and finally - only available on the digital version - comes the deeply percussive and trance inducing \"Darpeny\", rounding off a rather stunning EP from this cross continental outfit. \n\n\nAll tracks feature Ghanaian singer, song-writer, model and actor, Wiyaala. With a strong fanbase in Africa and beyond, \"the lioness\" made her mark on Wah Wah 45s and BBC 6 Music last year when she featured on the A-listed \"Senye\", described as \"perfection\" by Annie Mac and \"pure joy!\" by Tash LC.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"10\" - 2045952","offer_id":50392586617163,"sku":"2045952","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_6e8280af_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726409607"},{"product_id":"the-confluence-3","title":"The Confluence","description":"\u003cp\u003eDele Sosimi is the UK based Afrobeat ambassador, the former rhythm keyboarder for Fela Kuti's Egypt 80 and cofounder with Femi Kuti of the Positive Force. On his new album, alongside British musician Sam Duckworth, aka Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, he seeks pastures new on this later-life musical renewal, exploring the soulful side of jazz, r'n'b, funk and of course never far from his learned, life-partner, Afrobeat.\n\n\nHaving released anEPtogether early last year, Dele and Sam's journey continues, teaming up with various British musicians, for what is at times eccentric, yet constantly life-affirming record brimming with feelings of freedom and possibility. \n\n\nTo some it will come as no surprise that Dele Sosimi has crafted an album that is far-removed from the polyrhythmic intensity Afrobeat is known for. It was the drummer Tony Allen, the indisputable rhythm section of the Afrobeat genre and original member of Africa 70 who Dele refers to as \"an uncle to me\" who was a great influence on Dele in those early years. Tony would encourage him, on his trips to The Shrine to perform with The Positive Force, to explore the world outside of Afrobeat. And so he did. \n\n\nDele spent 7 years in Fela's artistic and infamous commune Kalakuta Republic between 1979 \u0026amp; 1986 where not only was he given responsibility to train the new recruits to Fela's Egypt 80 band (when the band went overseas on tour, often there were no-shows on the return flight), he also oversaw the band and The Shrine, whilst Fela was detained in prison. With Femi Kuti, he recruited and toured extensively with The Positive Force, which had a huge influence on the international insemination of Afrobeat music. And it was during these highly creative, intense and often chaotic years that he found his calling as a teacher, a passion and philosophy that he continues practising and following today. It was also during this period, in Kalakuta Republic that Dele became educated in the music of Fats Waller, Wayne Shorter, Grant Green, Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby, with the DJs playing 24 hours a day in the commune,  shaping his world view on music.\n\n\nIndeed, it was in London 2013 that Dele was introduced to Sam Duckworth, the producer and co-collaborator onThe Confluence, at Felabration, an event and commemoration of the music of Fela Kuti. Nearly ten years passed before the two musicians connected in Sam's hometown of Southend-On-Sea (UK) in a post-lockdown creative boom, recording the first EP over a burst of week-long sessions in 2021.  AfterThe ConfluenceEP was released to much fanfare in early 2023 (and BBC 6 Music playlist), the two musicians realised that there was still plenty to put to tape, creativity was still oozing and thus the initial idea of a few tracks soon led to the idea of a fully-fledged album project.\n\n\nThe Confluence LPis an amalgam of wonky, piano paved pop with catchy and jazzy refrains, some galloping Afro rhythms and the deep baritone voice of Dele Sosimi. Previous singles include the BBC 6 Music playlistedMo Se B'ólá tán,the horn heavyẸ Si M'ẹ̀dọ̀andFor the Love of It, a song about enjoying what you do for a living, which perfectly surmises the album's motivation,\"Whatever you do for the love of it, keep doing it for the love of it\".The Confluencefeatures UK percussion royalty in Snowboy alongside other top UK players including Alfa Sackey (percussion), Callum Green (drums), Philip Van Den Brandeler (bass), Pete Fraser (sax), Sam Eagle (voice \u0026amp; guitar) and Lizzy Dosunmu (vocals) and of course Sam Duckworth playing various instruments. \n\n\nSince returning back to settle in the UK from Nigeria in 1995, Dele has continued his music expanding reach, without limits. In London, he's forged a close relationship with DJ Dom Servini and his Wah Wah 45s label and regularly collaborates with bands and producers, in need of a touch of original Afrobeat authenticity. In recent years he's collaborated with Prince Fatty, Onipa (Real World), Newen Afrobeat and had his work remixed by the likes of house legends Joe Claussell \u0026amp; Timmy Regisford, Detroit Swindle, Medlar and DJ Khalab..,the list goes on. Dele has an experimental group that works around Afrobeat improvisation and the Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra continues to make strides, astounding worldwide audiences, with its powerful big band sound, channelling those early experiences working with Fela Kuti.\n\n\nSam Duckworth, the producer and mainstay on this new recording, has been releasing music as Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly for half of his life. A catalogue that includes four top 40 singles, two top 40 albums (including the gold certified 'Chronicles of A Bohemian Teenager' that recently celebrated its 15th anniversary), a German club number 1 single and collaborations with artists ranging from Shy FX, Baaba Maal, Lily Allen and Jehst. Recently, Duckworth produced Benjamin Frances Leftwich's album 'To Carry A Whale' and has been working on the forthcoming album by Kate Nash.\n\nAll tracks produced and Mixed by Sam Duckworth\nAll tracks written by Dele Sosimi, Sam Duckworth and the Estuary 21\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50402621030731,"sku":"2185067","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_8760f257_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726552979"},{"product_id":"the-anatomy-of-serene-eloquence","title":"The Anatomy Of Serene Eloquence","description":"\u003cp\u003e2023 sees the return of multi-talented Norwegian producer Espen Horne to Wah Wah 45s, after a 24 year hiatus. The man behind the label's very first release, the now seminal Magnetica, never lost his connection with the imprint and has remained very much part of the Wah Wah family, making a comeback this year with his first solo material under his own name since that club classic from 1999.\nBack in the spring, the first single from the project, the gorgeous soul-jazz beauty Bakeren, featuring the stunning vocals of Resonators' Faye Houston, quickly found a home on Gilles Peterson's internationally renowned BBC Radio 6 show as well as that of Jazz FM legend Robbie Vincent, Bandcamp Weekly and the Fresh Finds Jazz Spotify playlist.\nFollowing that, Bergen Sunrays, became a weekly fixture on the Craig Charles Funk \u0026amp; Soul Show on BBC 6 Music, with the limited 7-inch of both singles selling out within hours of release.\nNext up was the wistful Den Franske Gitaren, a lugubrious soul-jazz piece with drum \u0026amp; bass leanings featuring Bergen based MC and vocalist Aich, which found favour with legends Laurent Garnier and Jazzanova as well as hot Japanese production outfit Dazzle Drums.\nThis was closely followed by the final single to be taken from the album, the stunning and outspoken vocal jazz waltzer Nada Pode Me Calar (which roughly translates to Nothing Can Shut Me Up!) featuring the sublime talent of Olav Wöllo on vocals and Juno - anotherr big one with Gilles Peterson on Worldwide FM and Deb Grant on BBC 6 Music.\nAnd now the full album, entitled The Anatomy Of Serene Eloquence is available for your aural delectation. Recorded largely during lockdown, the LP is a sophisticated and composed piece of work that sees the Norwegian producer make connections with musicians from across Europe, and some closer to home, to collaborate on this sedate and peaceful collection of songs.\nThe aforementioned Faye Houston also appears on the soulful, dub flavoured Don't Fall Asleep, a piece of music that explores the feeling of being isolated whilst sharing a mutual love and drive to explore new sonic possibilities.\nElsewhere, Olav Wöllo pops up again too, this time on O Mar E A Lua and once again singing in Portuguese to give this track a certain Tropicalia feel, as Espen explains:\n\"Olav Wöllo is a close friend, an excellent musician and vocalist, and a capoeira professor here in Bergen. He has spent much of his life living in Brazil and speaks Portuguese fluently. He wrote the lyrics for this tune years ago and had just been waiting for the right collaboration to come along.\nWe went to his lovely studio out on this remote island, made a massive gyoza meal, had some serious good wine and stayed the whole night to record his vocal harmonies and outspoken lyrics.\"\nThe single Bergen Sunrays also appears on the album in instrumental form with featured keys courtesy of London based player Rory More - here entitled Rory's Sunrays. His Lowrey organ adds a more melancholic feel to the track, as it does on the stunning Belle Époque, alongside the ivory work of Eirik Blåsternes - an emotional, contemplative and atmospheric track that was tested and shaped in the eclipse of Covid.\nAs with Belle Époque, La Psychosomnie is a playful yet explorative cut that examines insomnia, paralysis and hypnosis courtesy of some enigmatic French spoken word spinning around a framework of drums, bass and swirling keys.\nAnd finally, the album offers up an alternative version of the single Den Franske Gitaren, this time featuring Martin Halla, a vocalist out of the Bergen Grieg Jazz Academy and winner of the Norwegian version of The Voice back in 2012! The perfect flip to Aich's more mournful interpretation of this bass and drum future classic.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black LP.","offer_id":50407517290827,"sku":"2183162","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_20741314_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726598734"},{"product_id":"echoes-of-resistance-2","title":"Echoes of Resistance","description":"\u003cp\u003eComing together as Raz \u0026amp; Afla, Raz Olsher and Afla Sackey converge worlds through their dynamic fusion of electronic and traditional African rhythms, forging a path that is as bold as it is innovative. Rooted in their deep-seated passion for music and cultural exploration, they seamlessly blend their distinct musical backgrounds to create a unique sonic landscape that captivates audiences worldwide.\nRaz Olsher is a visionary producer and composer known for his boundary-pushing electronic soundscapes, bringing his expertise in blending diverse musical elements to the duo. His meticulous attention to detail and penchant for experimentation form the foundation upon which Raz \u0026amp; Afla's sound thrives.\nAlready part of the Wah Wah 45s family with his band Afrik Bawantu, Afla Sackey is an esteemed percussionist and vocalist with roots tracing back to Ghana. He infuses the duo's music with rich traditional African rhythms and melodies. Afla's virtuosity on percussion instruments and his soulful vocals add a visceral, organic dimension to their compositions, creating a mesmerising auditory experience that transcends cultural boundaries.\nTogether, Raz \u0026amp; Afla defy genre limitations, seamlessly weaving together electronic beats, Afrobeat grooves, and intricate percussive textures. Their music resonates with a deep sense of cultural authenticity and a forward-thinking approach that pushes the boundaries of contemporary music.\nFollowing on from their critically acclaimed full length debut The Cycle, and its subsequent remix project, their sophomore LP, Echoes Of Resistance, finds the duo remaining committed to exploring new sonic territories and creating music that speaks to the universal language of rhythm and melody. Once again, they invite listeners on a journey that celebrates the beauty of cultural exchange and the power of music to inspire and unite.\nFrom more politically conscious cuts like the singles What's Going On? and We Taya, and On Da Phone, which deals with addiction to social media, to dealing with more personal and social issues on songs like ENo Be Me and Ano Be Mumu, Raz \u0026amp; Afla's music is something for the mind, body and spirit, as well as the feet.\nThere are moments of pure euphoria and unadulterated joy too though, as tracks like Mon Ni Fere, Voodoo Zeezee and Baby Moo inspire elated, tribal dance floor pleasure, and there's still time for a little, good old fashioned loving as Shikor Shikor conjures up the raw emotions of care and affection whilst delivering a hypnotic beat and instantly irresistible vocals from Afla Sackey.\nWith a growing discography that includes critically acclaimed releases and collaborations with musicians from around the globe, Raz \u0026amp; Afla continue to carve out their place in the international music scene. Their electrifying live performances are celebrated for their energy and the profound connection they forge with audiences, making every show a vibrant celebration of musical diversity and harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50421664776523,"sku":"2223118","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_92bacda7_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726759334"},{"product_id":"little-anchor-2","title":"Little Anchor","description":"\u003cp\u003eBev Lee Harling returns with her first solo recording in almost a decade. She won the hearts and musical minds of DJs across the board with her 2012 debut LP, Barefoot In Your Kitchen, which BBC 6Music's Gilles Peterson made his Album of the Week. Now the gifted singer, violinist and composer returns with twelve beautiful pieces of music that tell a very personal story of the years since.\nHaving swapped the busy streets of North London for the calmer shores of Hastings in Sussex to bring up her young family, it's fair to say that Bev's priorities might have changed somewhat over the past few years, but the music was never far away. Her new environment, and musical family (including multi-talented partner and album co-producer Frank Moon) added plenty of fresh inspiration to her recordings, and we're very excited to share her new album, entitled Little Anchor, with you this Autumn.\nThe album is in some senses a travelogue, a 9 year journey of a creative womannavigating the landscape of parenting. Each song is a snapshot taken at a differentlocation in time, in a world where finding balance between creative freedom and motherhood is still a struggle, from the uplifting and euphoric Beautiful Life, to the heavy and harassed Only Got A Minute.\nBetween the unexpected joys of parenting, grappleswith mental health and feelings of inadequacy, and fighting for every second ofcreative time while slowly accepting a life very different to the one that existedbefore, this unedited family album emerged bursting with quirky childhoodmemories, dark musings and celebrations of musical passion and legacy.\nEach song carries breakthrough personal moments in rebuilding strength as an artist, as a person, as a parent. Even down to a very emotional moment with Ray Davies of The Kinks, during a songwriting retreat, where album closer This Violin String, a deeply personal ode to her recently departed mum, was written…\n\"Everyone turned up writing on guitars and piano and I just had my battered old violin. I felt totally out of touch with my former confident musical self and had zero confidence in what I was doing after an intense period of car crash parenting. I wrote it, performed it on the same day and then sobbed my guts out in front of a bunch of total strangers (sorry Ray!). Something shifted for me in the act of being quite so vulnerable though and I found my mojo again in writing solo with my violin.\"\nThe personal nature of this record is self-evident, it bursts through every note and word in each song. We're very excited to be able to share such a special album,afresh foray into the always unpredictable, experimental and playful world of Bev Lee Harling.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50424719638859,"sku":"2056102","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_9ce098a0_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726781822"},{"product_id":"sun-dogs-2","title":"Sun Dogs","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s are very proud to present Sun Dogs, the incredible debut album from composer, songwriter and producer Jamie Finlay - a unique blend of electric soul, spiritual jazz and psychedelia. A deeply layered and personal album that explores themes of love, loss, grief, and finding strength through turbulent times. \nWith their expansive arrangements and complex harmonies, you can hear the spiritual jazz influences of Lonnie Liston Smith and Pharaoh Sanders on the two opening tracks, Destroy Create Part 1 and Rain Will Come. These are followed by the Ethio-jazz leaning Staring at the Sun, with its pounding baritone sax chorus and ethereal vocals. Next up is the stripped back psyche soul of Family, the album's first single, with a haunting performance from Ellen Beth Abdi. Parhelion calls to mind Headhunters-era Herbie, with its off kilter jazz-fusion vibe, and is followed by the bittersweet Give Back My Love, which comes across like Stereolab and Everything But The Girl meets Rotary Connection. Penultimate song Destroy Create Part 2 leads us into broken-beat territory, and finally, with its pulsing bass \nline, layered vocal harmonies and crescendos, the closing track, Daylight, is an optimistic\nfuture anthem, bringing to mind the work of Charles Stepney, the Mizell Brothers and James Mason. \nSun Dogs was recorded between 2022 and 2023 with a core band of Jamie Finlay working with keyboardist, arranger and producer Matt Steele, drummer Erroll Rollins and singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Ellen Beth Abdi (A Certain Ratio), who appears across the album, and features on its three singles. The album features collaborations with singer, producer and saxophonist Caitlin LM, Kemani Anderson of Secret Night Gang and supporting musicians Bryan Corbett (trumpet\/flute), Chris Bowden (saxophones), Hannah McGuigain (vocals), Dan Carpenter (trumpet) and Atholl Ransome (saxophones). The album was mixed by Jamie Finlay together with engineer Phil Kirby (Mr. Scruff, 808 State). \nDestroy Create Parts I \u0026amp; 2 \n\"I wrote the lyrics and melody for Destroy Create around 20 years ago, shortly after losing a very close relative. The song stayed with me for two decades, until I found a home for it on this album. The song is about someone saying goodbye, and wishing you life, with all of its challenges and complexity. \nHearing Kemani sing the lyrics back to me was a very powerful moment and it felt like the perfect way to set the tone of the album.\" \nRain Will Come \n\"Rain Will Come is a musical representation of a storm, and is about finding stillness in turbulent times. The phrase 'Rain Will Come' repeats like a mantra while the music becomes more chaotic until eventually returning to calmness. It's about standing still and stoic, and letting storms pass over you.\" \nStaring at the Sun \n\"The title, Staring at the Sun, is taken from the book of the same name, written by psychologist Irvin Yalom. The book is about finding peace with our own mortality. It's a really beautiful book. I talked through the concept with Caitlin LM and sent her the music I'd written as a finished arrangement. Caitlin came back with this utterly beautiful, mesmerising song, really understood the concept and was able to channel her own experiences into the writing.\"\nFamily \n\"Families come in many forms, but at the core it's about that closeness, solidarity and unconditional love. This can come from anywhere with any group of people. It's not just about blood, it's about how we look after each other.\" \nParhelion \n\"Parhelion was the first track I finished for the album. It started out as an electronic instrumental, using drum machines and samples, but evolved into this almost completely live track. I love Bryan and Chris's playing on this, and finishing it was a real moment. I knew the album was going to work when I finished Parhelion.\" \nGive Back My Love \n\"A bittersweet love song which tells of the moment in a relationship when you've given all you can, but that isn't enough. It's about reclaiming the love you've given and moving forward, emphasised by marching drums, warmed up by Bryan Corbett's sultry trumpet and flute, and of course Abdi's sublime vocal. \" \nDaylight \n\"I wrote Daylight at the tail end of lockdown. I'd had the bass line playing on a loop in the studio for a few days, when the lyrics just came to me. It felt like there was a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel after this difficult time for the world, which is why it has a cautiously optimistic tone. I worked together with Ellen to layer and arrange the vocal harmonies, and with Matt Steele to really work the dynamics of the song. It's a big track and it felt like the perfect way to close the album.\" \nJamie will be performing Sun Dogs live at venues in London and Manchester, plus the We Out Here Festival in Dorset this summer, with more dates to be added.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50427228356939,"sku":"2200254","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_f47fc5d6_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726823114"},{"product_id":"dont-blame-the-youth","title":"Don't Blame The Youth","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s are very proud and excited to announce the debut album fromYouthsayers- an ongoing and enduring South London community project, founded byRobin HopcraftandIdris Rahmanof our very own, legendary Afro-reggae outfitSoothsayers. \n\nYouthsayers was established in 2016 and ever since has consistently provided free of charge opportunities for young people to come together, learn an instrument and perform music under the tutelage of Robin and Idris. This has been made possible, in part, through donations from local businesses and private benefactors, but also live fundraisers and now through commercially released music! \nDon't Blame The Youth, due for release on June 28th, is a snapshot of the current Youthsayers band, and recent alumni, who've gone on to form other bands in the world of jazz, reggae and beyond, including recent signings to Gilles Peterson's Brownswood imprint,Oreglo.\nOver the course of eight tracks the band deliver their own unique takes on classic and contemporary pieces of music from the world of dub and Afro-jazz, including covers ofTheon Cross,Fela Kuti,Cedric IM Brooks,The Fontanellesand of course, Soothsayers themselves.\nThe album also showcases the Youthsayers students' own writing abilities, not only on their original composition,Citizens Not Subjects, written alongsideLevitation Orchestra's director and trumpeterAxel Kaner-Lindstrom, but also via a re-working of theTommy McCookinstrumentalTenor On The Callwith lyrics re-written by Youthsayers' clarinet playerGiacomo Del Reiand re-namedWe Keep Playing, the debut single to be taken from the album. \nEvery single penny of profit from this LP will go directly to the Youthsayers project. If you would like to take part in the programme, or donate to the cause, please go towww.youthsayers.net. \nYouthsayers will be launching their LP atPortico Galleryin South London on Saturday June 22nd with a full live show featuringDele Sosimiand support fromBig Massive, DJDom ServiniandSoothsayers featuring Youthsayers alumni.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50433335394635,"sku":"2200273","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_39cd7603_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726878885"},{"product_id":"state-of-play-ep","title":"State Of Play EP","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s are proud to present the return of a unique collaboration between the U.K. 's very own Afrobeat Ambassador, Dele Sosimi, and a producer who's been at the forefront of the South London electronic music scene for over a decade now, Medlar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe pair first joined forces seven years ago, when Medlar was asked by Dele's label to remix the title track from his last album, You No Fit Touch Am. The result was possibly one of the most popular and cherished remixes to appear on the imprint. The producer's respect for the history of Afrobeat shined through in the mix of course, but it was his ability to finely balance that with his house music instincts whilst adding an infectious groove and classic 80s analogue synths that really stood out.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe track was an instant classic, and it soon became clear that the Afrobeat Ambassador and Peckham producer needed to make some music together. Having never actually met during the remix process, the dating began, and luckily the two were a perfect match.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo years on from their first recorded output, the Full Moon EP - a record that received radio support from Gilles Peterson on BBC 6Music, as well as tastemakers and DJs across the globe, and was even featured on the latest edition of Grand Theft Auto -the duo return with the State Of Play EP. The heavy hitting four tracker features special guests Tamar Osborn of Collocutor fame, and South African rising star Zito Mowa, as well as a pair of Dele and Medlar's most popular jams from their live sets, perfectly baked for the dance floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEarly support has come from Huey Morgan, Tom Ravenscroft and Deb Grant on BBC 6Music; Sarah Ward on Jazz FM; DJs on Resonance FM, Worldwide FM and many more besides.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe EP will be available on vinyl this summer with incredible artwork from our in-house art director Animisiewasz and eye-catching packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black | 12\"","offer_id":50435349414219,"sku":"1161416","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/929cd2a6-f96d-408e-b80d-af89432dd26d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726902675"},{"product_id":"destination-4","title":"Destination","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s are proud to present the debut LP on the label from Ghanaian vocalist and djembe drummer Afla Sackey. With his band Afrik Bawantu, he has fulfilled the dream of blending traditional Ghanaian music with sizzling Afrobeat grooves, topping it off with an irresistibly funky twist! Their unique blend of vibrant African rhythms with brisk, animated horn sections and heavy bass-lines bring a fresh perspective to the Afrobeat genre. \nDestination provides a much needed moment of positivity in these turbulent times, as Afla himself explains:\n\n\n\"With focus, determination, hard work, patience, ambition and dignity - even though the journey Is long and tough, with these qualities, we will arrive at our destination successfully!\"\nThe album is full to the brim with such life affirming messages, such as in the trackTogetherness, encouraging us to put aside our differences and unite as one…\n\"We have to start looking beyond colour, race, gender and religion to work together with love and unity to create peace and heal the world for the next generation to come.\"\nAs well as the celebratoryShake Your Booty, which encourages listeners to come together and party like there is no tomorrow.\n\"Forget about your stress, your worries and have a great time. Feel free, engage with  everyone and dance till you drop as life is too short. So have fun while you can.\"\nThe first single to be released from the album,It's Not Easy, which concerns itself not only with the trials and tribulations of life but also how we learn by living the day-to-day, also talks about a theme that runs throughout the album - the idea of travelling the globe to broaden our horizons and help us understand how other people live their lives.\nThe follow up single, Mofeemo Ke Eno, talks about jealousy, but again from a positive viewpoint, as Afla explains:\n\"Every human being came to this world with their different destinies. So never want to be someone else, as their destiny is different from yours and never get jealous about someone's progress as tomorrow will be your turn.\"\nSimilarly,Mind Your Business talks about just that - staying in your lane and concentrating on your own concerns and ambitions, andBe Careful stresses that every action has a reaction….\n\"With the action you take in life, as most times, the repercussions will not affect you only but your loved ones as well.\"\nFinally, Sane Ye (There Is Trouble) looks at the bigger picture of wars and global crises, yet once again Afla brings these issues back to the self…\n\"We have to look at ourselves and find out where we have gone wrong to be able to fix these issues affecting us as humans.\"\n\n\nAfrik Bawantu released their debut EP,Noko Hewon, back in 2013 to much critical acclaim, and went on to be nominated in the World Music Network's charts. In 2014 they released their debut LP,Life On The Street, which showcased the original style of Afla's compositions, as well as his group of gifted musicians. \nAfla himself was born in Ghana and started his creative life as a dancer with the country's famous Bukom Ensemble, known for their infectious folk-driven rhythms. His elders soon soon recognised the musical potential of young Afla and encouraged him with careful guidance and training. This provided the foundations upon which Sackey has developed his career in music and dance. \nUpon moving to London, which was made possible by the Kakasitsi Master Drummers Of Ghana, Afla undertook a masters degree at Guildhall college, from which he graduated in 2012. With his wealth of experience in music and dance, Afla went on to become an inspiring educator, providing workshops and training to a diverse range of students from primary schools to universities. He has taught Afrobeat and Afro Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music where he still often appears as a guest lecturer, as well as acting as a workshop facilitator in places as far flung as Japan, Singapore and Argentina. \nAfla is a great collaborator, and has worked with legendary artists such as the Sun Ra Arkestra, Ginger Baker and Tony Allen, as well as his contemporary projects with Ibibio Sound Machine, Sons Of Kemet, Dele Sosimi, The Estuary 21, Eparapo and his most recent Afro-electronic project with producer Raz Olsher - Raz \u0026amp; Afla.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50440876392779,"sku":"2202487","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_6abe1230_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726969377"},{"product_id":"from-london-to-lagos-remixes-feat-dele-sosimi","title":"From London To Lagos (Remixes) [feat. Dele Sosimi]","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s are proud to present a new set of remixes, as well as originals released on vinyl for the very first time, from Afrobeat supergroupEparapo. Having come togetherduring the unprecedented events of the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, and despite being a project born from the privations of lockdown, their music is ultimately an expression of hope, resilience \u0026amp; resurgence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe word \"eparapo\" means \"join forces\" in Yoruba, the language of Afrobeat. It's also the title of a track by the late, greatTony Allen- drummer for Afrobeat legendFela Kutiand lifelong friend and mentor of our very own \"Afrobeat Ambassador\",Dele Sosimi. Not only did Tony help to invent Afrobeat, he always looked for ways to push the boundaries, never content with recreating what had gone before but constantly expanding and developing the genre. This project hopes to pay homage to his legacy, and that of Fela Kuti himself. Its aim is to innovate, fuse and diversify while still retaining the essence of the music.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe force behind Eparapo is bassist, composer \u0026amp; producerSuman Joshi.He has been a member of Dele Sosimi's Afrobeat Orchestra for nearly a decade and has performed on stage with the likes of Tony Allen, Seun Kuti, Ginger Baker \u0026amp; Laura Mvula. He is also bassist with UK jazz ensemble Collocutor and fusion project Cubafrobeat.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"12\"","offer_id":50452247609675,"sku":"2002068","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/From_London_To_Lagos_Remixes_feat._Dele_Sosimi_-_EP_afce6b04_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727145606"},{"product_id":"cages","title":"Cages","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s are proud to present \u003ci\u003eCages\u003c\/i\u003e, the third album from southern soul boys The Milk.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHaving released \u003ci\u003eFavourite Worry\u003c\/i\u003e, their critically acclaimed sophomore album and first for independent label Wah Wah 45s, in 2015, the band are able to trace the seeds of the latest LP back to their recording sessions with producer Paul Butler (Andrew Bird, Michael Kiwanuka, Nick Waterhouse) almost five years ago, blending elements of soul, funk and rock together to create their own unique sound, inspired by some of their favourite artists such as Bill Withers, Traffic and the Isley Brothers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50463874023755,"sku":"1083358","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50463874515275,"sku":"1083359","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/b449b41e-51ef-4e14-b7fd-e88f38aeffd1_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727267790"},{"product_id":"kalba","title":"Kalba","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s are very proud to announce the release of Kalba, the first album from Ghanaian xylophone master Isaac Birituro and Leeds-based producer and singer-songwriter Sonny Johns AKA The Rail Abandon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere are many differences between Isaac and Sonny, but a powerful similarity - which gives Kalba its element of relatability - is that desire to hear the usual done unusually and play with the shared influence of the music from afar. Named after the town in North Ghana where Isaac resides, the album is a combination of differences; a magnifying glass over the Venn diagram of our lives, the unfathomable meeting of parallel lines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50463878250827,"sku":"1082096","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/02984279-a675-498b-9844-fea25445315c_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727267832"},{"product_id":"meet-me-on-the-corner","title":"Meet me on the Corner","description":"\u003cp\u003eA pounding beat beefed up by bass, guitar and brass propels forward while Rioghnach Connolly sings lyrics that could be straight out of the playground, but suggest something deeper, possibly mystical even, in its demands for a dalliance on the street. Remixes on this more foot friendly single come courtesy of homegrown legends of funky house music, Crazy P who come through with both a vocal and dub version. Honeyfeet’s latest opus is turned into a straight up soulful disco monster by the boys from Nottingham, with Rioghnach’s rasping vocals playfully meandering over Hot Toddy and Ron Basejam’s crisp beats and trademark live bass. Elsewhere, much hyped Russian production don, I Gemin, delivers his take - still aimed at the dance floor of course, but a slightly deeper house affair based around jazzy keys and chopped up vocals that take the song into more sonorous territories. As a bonus, the 12” package also features the acclaimed remix of previous single, Sinner, courtesy of erstwhile Polish Innocent Sorceror, Envee - his shuffling, moody take only previously being available on vinyl via a super limited (and now impossible to find) 7-inch release late last year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"12\"","offer_id":50464602751307,"sku":"1041838","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/5a668aa5-b078-4dcb-891d-d69b9cd2c5f1_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727277232"},{"product_id":"american-cars","title":"American Cars","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s make a welcome return to the world of re-issues. Having started out over two decades ago releasing dance floor funk from Benny Poole, Cheyenne Fowler and The Googie Rene Combo, and later re-releasing obscure Kompa-funk from Haitian pianist Henri Pierre Noel, they now turn their attention to an overlooked early 90s acoustic soul gem.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbout thirty years ago, music teacher and budding producer Alex Boyesen found himself working as part of the Haringey Music Workshop - a community programme and outreach project funded by the local council in Haringey, North London (coincidentally the area in which the Wah Wah head office is now based!).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Anyone could come and get lessons for free - ranging from piano, sax, guitar, drums, bass, singing and workshops including choral, jazz band and more.\" Alex Boyesen\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt was during that time that Alex came across a young Sam Edwards.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black | 12\"","offer_id":50466136129867,"sku":"1119962","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/55b33a1e-84ff-490d-8e2e-025187a6f322_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727306242"},{"product_id":"bakeren-bergen-sunrays","title":"Bakeren \/ Bergen Sunrays","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe return of Norwegian producer, musician, graphic \/ fashion designer and erstwhile goalkeeper Espen Horne is something quite momentous for Wah Wah 45s. The label's debut release, the now seminal Magnetica, was produced by the man himself, and in the best part of 25 years that followed he never lost his connection with the label and remained very much part of the Wah Wah family.\nNow, almost a quarter of a century later, Espen returns with his first solo material under his own name since that club classic from 1999. Having produced music under the pseudonym of Bobby Hughes (his goalkeeping moniker when playing for Wigan!) and alongside soulful reggae vocalist Caitlin Simpson as Kinny and Horne for Tru Thoughts, Espen is back with another vocalist of a similar ilk, and one who is well known to fans of Wah Wah 45s.\nFaye Houston was one of two great front women for the label's much loved, and much missed, dub outfit Resonators. On the A-side she returns to the fold with Espen on the deeply spiritual soul-jazz beauty Bakeren. It's the first taste of Espen's debut LP for the imprint, The Anatomy of Serene Eloquence, due out this winter. \nThe opening spoken words set the scene:\n\"For han bor helt alene på en bitteliten øy\" which translates to \"Because he lives all alone on his tiny island\" and sums up perfectly how Espen lives his life in the beautiful, lush Western Norwegian coastal town of Bergen, surrounding himself with nature and focusing on it as one of the main inspirations for his new music.\nThis was never more the case than during the pandemic, when Espen began work on his new album. Grateful for the natural wonders that surrounded him, but keen to reach out to fellow humans to collaborate with, he started sharing musical ideas on-line with Faye, organist Rory More and bass player \u0026amp; vibes master Alexander von Mehren. Adding Eirik Blästernes on keys and Ivar Thormodsceter on drums were the finishing touches that created a very special and very moving piece of music that sets the scene for the album. The love and respect that the musicians share for each other, and their surroundings, is explicit in this song. A song which, rather wonderfully, draws its inspiration from an early 1970s Norwegian children's record, naturally.\nOn the flip, Bergen Sunraysemploys the talents of another sublime vocalist - this time rapper and singer Selim Mutic who is also, quite aptly, from the Norwegian's home town referenced in the song's title. The track was the first piece that Espen started working on in this new collection of songs, and what started as a rough sketch was soon picked up to be used as part of the Visit Bergen tourism campaign! The song's lyrics talk about loving their city for what it is - \"raindrops, snowflakes, sunrays\", all in one day! It's a melancholic and soulful love song to Bergen that incidentally also marks the first time that Mutic has written and performed a piece in English!\nCurious keys come courtesy of Eirik Blåsternes alongside driving drums from Ivar Thormodsæter, but it's Chris Holm's heavy bassline groove, itself inspired, in typical Espen Horne style, by an obscure choral Christian record from 1970, that really propels the track forward.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"7\"","offer_id":50495909200203,"sku":"2050202","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_65d7f2ae_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727715653"},{"product_id":"little-anchor","title":"Little Anchor","description":"\u003cp\u003eBev Lee Harling returns with her first solo recording in almost a decade. She won the hearts and musical minds of DJs across the board with her 2012 debut LP, \u003ci\u003eBarefoot In Your Kitchen\u003c\/i\u003e, which BBC 6Music's Gilles Peterson made his Album of the Week. Now the gifted singer, violinist and composer returns with twelve beautiful pieces of music that tell a very personal story of the years since.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHaving swapped the busy streets of North London for the calmer shores of Hastings in Sussex to bring up her young family, it's fair to say that Bev's priorities might have changed somewhat over the past few years, but the music was never far away. Her new environment, and musical family (including multi-talented partner and album co-producer Frank Moon) added plenty of fresh inspiration to her recordings, and we're very excited to share her new album, entitled \u003ci\u003eLittle Anchor\u003c\/i\u003e, with you this Autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe album is in some senses a travelogue, a 9 year journey of a creative womannavigating the landscape of parenting. Each song is a snapshot taken at a differentlocation in time, in a world where finding balance between creative freedom and motherhood is still a struggle, from the uplifting and euphoric Beautiful Life, to the heavy and harassed Only Got A Minute.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBetween the unexpected joys of parenting, grappleswith mental health and feelings of inadequacy, and fighting for every second ofcreative time while slowly accepting a life very different to the one that existedbefore, this unedited family album emerged bursting with quirky childhoodmemories, dark musings and celebrations of musical passion and legacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach song carries breakthrough personal moments in rebuilding strength as an artist, as a person, as a parent. Even down to a very emotional moment with Ray Davies of The Kinks, during a songwriting retreat, where album closer This Violin String, a deeply personal ode to her recently departed mum, was written…\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50529681375563,"sku":"1144859","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/f93928f9-08db-4dcd-8f12-f3ae1a4021ed_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1728065131"},{"product_id":"attic-2","title":"Attic","description":"\u003cp\u003eFormed in 2019, Lawne is the result of a meeting of minds between old friends and self confessed music nerds Joe Nicklin and Joe Martin. Their sound draws upon myriad influences with dub, electronics, hip hop, psych, jazz, post-punk and Afrobeat all somehow ingrained within the mix.\nIt's something that evolved during at a time of change for both of them, as Joe Nicklin explains:\n\"The start of this project coincided with me moving onto a canal boat, which was a hugely rewarding time of my life but not without its challenges. You can hear some of my boating vents coming through in the lyrics of Beta Pan and Ame Tova.\nAnother challenge during this time was trying to figure out a way of still playing and recording drums that wasn't going to break the bank. I decided to start renting a tiny storage space near Caledonian Road in North London, that I would convert into a makeshift studio and soon learned that corrugated iron sheets aren't the best walls for a drum booth. My friend cut me some curtains and a few egg boxes later we were able to insulate the thing, sort of.\nThese limitations meant that we had to keep recordings pretty simple and I feel like this set the tone for the whole record. Whether it was digging out my childhood bass guitar for Joe to play, squeezing every last drop out of Logic presets or mumbling into a SM57 for the first time, we made do with what we had and I'm proud of the charming thing we were able to create. I felt like I was learning on the job at times for this album and I'm grateful for what it has taught me, whilst being excited for what we can do next. As I was moving off the water and out of my lockup, the album masters were also starting to trickle through. A fitting close to that chapter of my life and the making of our first album.\"\nJoe Martin reflects more on how their unique sound came about:\n\"It's interesting thinking back to the sound we were exploring when we first started writing together, and how different much of the record is to that original sound. We didn't set out a clear musical direction and that meant we were rarely constrained stylistically, we could shift between genres and feels and grooves, take inspiration from the new and the old and it still sat comfortably with what we were trying to do. I think the eight tracks we landed on illustrates that nicely.\nThe record's named after the self storage unit we used as a studio for many years, there's something quite poetic about parting ways with the space within weeks of the album coming out; a final homage to the place it all started.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50769598513483,"sku":"2231547","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_09080287_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1730901916"},{"product_id":"on-higher-dreams","title":"On Higher Dreams","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s are very proud to present the debut LP from an exciting, brand new signing for 2025. The music of Isaac de Martin, otherwise known as IKE, blends jazz and electronic influences into warm, smooth, and often cinematic soundscapes. A certain eclecticism is not surprising considering that the composer, producer and guitarist was born in Italy into a musical family with British roots, studied classical guitar, graduated in jazz and went on to develop his personal style through creative experimentation, live touring and collaborative work with artists from a variety of disciplines and countries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder the shadow of the pandemic, IKE headed to Egypt, a country that has always held a deep fascination for him. Finding sanctuary between teaching at Cairo's Heliopolis University and observing the progress of an ecological development community, the creative foundation of IKE's forthcoming LP, entitled \u003cem\u003eOn Higher Dreams\u003c\/em\u003e began to take form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe album's overall vintage yet dynamic atmosphere, reinforces the themes of nature and existential flow. It is this that perhaps most prominently shines through on the record. It invites listeners to open themselves to the ebb and flow of life, encouraging a spontaneous, heartfelt engagement with the world in the spirit of acceptance and serenity. IKE's journey through Egypt serves as both a narrative and a metaphor for this liberating approach to life—where, like the water of the Nile, we find our own paths naturally, beautifully, inevitably to reach Higher Dreams.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":51872445595979,"sku":"R5532-5545","price":25.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cover.ki-1_a827a7f1-0d2f-46d8-b9c2-a033ddab7427.jpg?v=1748019805"},{"product_id":"almost-music","title":"Almost Music","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAlmost Music\u003c\/em\u003e, the debut album from Land of Echo, is a deeply personal celebration of return — to the city, to community, and to sound. Released via Wah Wah 45s, this record marks a heartfelt re-entry into a post-pandemic and politically confused world, with music shaped by reflection, hope, and the timeless pulse of the dancefloor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlending altered disco, downtempo soul, and experimental electronics, Almost Music invites listeners into an emotive soundscape where every beat and bassline carries weight. It's a sonic journey through shared struggles and future-facing optimism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of Land of Echo is Rob Mac, producer and longtime figure in UK underground music. From running the legendary Scratch hip-hop nights in the '90s to releasing under aliases like Speeka (on Wah Wah 45s), Gum Drop, An Explore, and Jumbonics, Rob returns here to the soulful edges of dance music — armed with vintage gear, fresh vision, and a deep connection to his collaborators.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":52187620213067,"sku":"R1770-9287","price":25.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cover.ki-1_010e8442-607c-435b-b60e-ff7df00cbdd7.jpg?v=1749900979"},{"product_id":"zombie-3","title":"Zombie","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s present a unique moment from 1982 where New Wave and Post Punk collided with Afrobeat in the shape of Norwich DIY outfit Vital Disorders and their subversive yet instantly memorable version of the Fela Kuti classic, Zombie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBand member Suzy Cox explains more:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The song came to the band through our vocalist Lenneka Van Gilst who was in the group between January 1980 and December 1981. Lenneka grew up in Nigeria and had the original track on vinyl. When she moved to Trowse House, Norwich, the flat under Chris, the VD's bass player, he heard the vibes floating through the floorboards. One thing led to another and it was in our set for ages. Lenneka had left the band to travel to Mexico by the time we recorded the track. We did well to choose it as the song has really stood the test of time. Lenneka had a lot of African Beat which was a big influence on us.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe track came to label boss Dom Servini's attention having been unearthed by BBC 6 Music DJ Gilles Peterson in late 2024, and a vinyl reissue of this rare and one-off gem was the obvious choice. Rather than pairing it with its original punky B-side though, Dom enlisted new signings to the label - young Afro-dub outfit Kotoa - to record their take on the Kuti classic. The quintet delivered what is a three minute, intense take on the Afrobeat genre, complete with youthful voices of protest echoing those of over 30 years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 7-inch vinyl only release of Zombie comes with re-worked art courtesy of our award winning designer Animisiewasz, taking the home-made look of the original cover and updating it respectfully for 2025\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"7\" - Black","offer_id":53088121127243,"sku":"R7105-6226","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cover.ki-1_fe1eb4ba-fe3a-4099-8ccd-3378e5e909da.jpg?v=1754068309"},{"product_id":"windowlicker-going-back-to-my-roots","title":"Windowlicker \/ Going Back To My Roots","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s present two very special cover versions from Afro-electronic duo, Raz \u0026amp; Afla, available on 12\" vinyl for the very first time! First up, the pair tackle Aphex Twin's sleazy and sinister turn-of-the-century dance floor bomb Windowlicker and take it somewhere completely unexpected, as Raz explains: \"We wanted to go to a different place from our influences for this one. When we told people we will cover this tune everyone said 'but how?!' On the flip, Going Back To My Roots has become a mainstay in Raz \u0026amp; Afla's live sets, and means a lot to them personally, as Raz once again explains: \"We love this song. The lyrics resonate with us, talking about the meaning of connection to a land and its people. The history of this song is also fascinating, from Hugh Masekela and Orlando Julius through Odyssey and Richie Havens. We wanted to give it our own flavour. You can't choose your heritage and where you are born. It is always a part of you and we like to celebrate that.\" Written and first recorded by Lamont Dozier in 1977, Going Back To My Roots was famously covered by Richie Havens in 1980 before becoming a huge crossover hit when interpreted by disco outfit Odyssey in 1981. Raz \u0026amp; Afla very much give their version their own unique dance floor feeling. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"12\" - Black","offer_id":53088195150155,"sku":"R9920-8113","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cover.ki-3_f85d7f03-15de-495a-8d49-184dce0b0cbc.jpg?v=1754068797"},{"product_id":"fly-higher","title":"Fly Higher","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s present the long awaited new album from Afro-dub masters,Soothsayers, entitled \u003cem\u003eFly Higher.\u003c\/em\u003e With a history that goes back three decades, having released two classic LPs (\u003cem\u003eTradition\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWe Are Many\u003c\/em\u003e) and numerous EPs and remixes on the imprint, the band deliver possibly their finest body of work to date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The album features the very essence of the band - the vital ingredients that have been part of their sound since the outset, incorporating the diaspora, family and community that they have built along their journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFly Higher \u003c\/em\u003eblends Afrobeat, soul, jazz and dub grooves and is packed with uplifting, ear-worm melodies delivered via stirring three-part harmonies, horn hooks and mesmerising basslines. The sound is typically organic and warm, and showcases Soothsayers' original songwriting style, which in turn pays respect to a variety of influences, but avoids cliche and predictability.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":53143259545931,"sku":"R9602-0126","price":25.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cover.ki_a50c5699-f164-4fb9-ae6f-75edfc801681.jpg?v=1754738532"},{"product_id":"earth-is-begging","title":"Earth Is Begging","description":"\u003cp\u003eDanish instrumental sextet Sunbörn—winners of four Danish Grammys—join forces with acclaimed Italian producer\/DJ Clap! Clap! (Paul Simon, Warp) for a boundary-blurring new album: \u003cem\u003eEarth Is Begging\u003c\/em\u003e. The project is a vibrant celebration of global culture and sonic fusion. It's a place where Afrobeat grooves meet Middle Eastern textures, subtle Bossa Nova influences, jazz harmonies and clubby beats - with everything lit up by a keen Nordic sense of melody and space. Less about genre and more about energy, it's dance music built from curiosity and connection. That's the world of \u003cem\u003eEarth Is Begging.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":53235075252555,"sku":"R2350-0563","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cover-1.ki_f880c291-530b-4eb2-b6e8-2efe51989076.jpg?v=1755947282"},{"product_id":"truth-to-power-feat-dele-sosimi-afla-sackey","title":"Truth to Power (feat. 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With social media platforms cashing in on extreme views and angry exchanges we're losing our grip on reality. Social cohesion is crumbling as mob mentality, whipped up by unscrupulous politicians, takes hold. If we're to turn the tide against the poisonous rhetoric being employed by those who would happily see the world burn to further their own nefarious ambitions, then we need a powerful new narrative - one based on unity, compassion, integrity and truth.\" Suman Joshi\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"7\" - Black","offer_id":53733656592715,"sku":"R1915-3414","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cover.ki-2_737cb200-c9f5-47f4-aaff-3133362aa830.jpg?v=1761497850"},{"product_id":"love-will-find-a-way-victor-rice-mixes","title":"Love Will Find A Way (Victor Rice Mixes)","description":"\u003cp\u003eWah Wah 45s present a limited edition vinyl special from Afro-dub masters, Soothsayers. With a history that goes back three decades, having released two classic LPs (Tradition and We Are Many) and numerous EPs and remixes on the imprint, the band deliver two brand new and exclusive versions of one of the highlights of their new LP, entitled Fly Higher. Love Will Find a Way features vocalists Maia Avery and Akin Soul, both former members of Youthsayers - a South London based music performance and education group, taught by Soothsayers band members. With new mixes by acclaimed Sao Paulo based producer Victor Rice, it's a stepping reggae vocal duo piece with a strong, universal message asserting that despite the current divisive political rhetoric and the championing of greed over human empathy by those in power, love will always be a more powerful force than hatred and division. Maia and Akin Soul's distinctive voices blend and weave beautifully over a hypnotic groove with a fresh and poignant emotional energy contributing to what should be a future steppers classic. These previously unreleased mixes are available in both vocal and dub versions on hand-stamped 7-inch vinyl and Bandcamp only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"We are so proud and happy to be able to feature Maia and Akin on this beautiful song. Both are former members of Youthsayers, the youth music education organisation set up by Soothsayers in 2016. Maia (from recent Wah Wah 45s signings Kotoa) and Akin are now great artists in their own right and it feels very satisfying to feature them on this new Soothsayers release.\" Robin Hopcraft (Soothsayers)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"7\" - Black","offer_id":55812094689611,"sku":"R4779-4248","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cover.ki_22.jpg?v=1761931317"},{"product_id":"falling-backwards","title":"Falling Backwards","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFalling Backwards\u003c\/em\u003e is the debut album from Him and Earl via Wah Wah 45s, serving up a mystic brew of desert blues, English folk, Americana and stirring southern soul, with tentacles stretching out into psychedelia and prog, across 11 hot and hazy tracks.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSinger-songwriter Olly Him and DJ, producer and composer Wyndham Earl both have deeply-dug roots in the south coast of England, with the former making his name as a solo artist before exploring his soulful folk\/prog sound with a number of live acts, and the latter collaborating on albums and sharing stages with Bonobo, Khruangbin, Alice Russell and TM Juke, having remixes released by Tru Thoughts and Mr Bongo Records and releasing his solo projects on his Time Spun imprint\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":57456217260363,"sku":"R9055-3134","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/cover-1.ki_7320a554-9b2c-4e44-b0d6-7bc2cd46b5a0.jpg?v=1779947202"},{"product_id":"earthwise-out-of-the-dark","title":"Earthwise \/ Out of the Dark","description":"\u003cp\u003eKotoa are a five-piece band from Loughborough Junction, South East London, made up of drummer Laurie Campling, bassist Frank Black, keyboard player Sam Hillier, guitarist and vocalist Memphis Koloi, and saxophonist and vocalist Maia Avery.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned to Wah Wah 45s, Kotoa bring a refreshing sound, blending political rhetoric, soulful melodies and heavy bass lines. Deeply influenced by dub, trip-hop and the recent rise of African-inspired jazz, they are a rising force in Brixton’s historic music scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eEarthwise \/ Out of the Dark\u003c\/i\u003e brings together their two EPs, produced by esteemed producer, musician and engineer Benedic Lamdin (Nostalgia 77). The releases received support from Gilles Peterson, Colleen Cosmo Murphy, Haseeb Iqbal and Robbie Vincent, alongside airplay on Jazz FM, BBC 6 Music, Worldwide FM and Apple Music. Their energetic and enchanting live shows culminated in opening the main stage at We Out Here Festival.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah 45s","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":58943587778891,"sku":"R9176-0624","price":25.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/kotoa-earthwise-out-of-the-dark.jpg?v=1792592759"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_1bde6b5f_thumbnail_4096_0532bfaa-e829-4cc8-9f11-746a46fbf6e6.jpg?v=1726273952","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/fr\/collections\/wah-wah-45s.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}