Futuristica's 'Music 4 Fifteen Years' compilation is the fantastic new release from the pioneering future soul label who this year deservedly take the time to celebrate their stunning catalogue.
As part of the year-long celebrations, Futuristica have been taking the time to revisit some of the label's past gems in the form of Marc Rapson's 'Dark vs Light' and Rise's 'Messages' - with more reissues scheduled for this year. This long-in-the-works 2-disc compilation however does justice to the incredible amount of music unveiled to the world bearing the Futuristica brand.
Founded by Simon S in 2006 and swiftly launching with their inaugural project - 'Strangers to the Ordinary' by Low Budget Soul - a slew of genre-defining and genre-defying projects having been released from world class names in jazz, neo-soul and hip-hop like Emanative, Rise, Electric Conversation and of course three albums from Futuristica's First Lady - the inimitable Deborah Jordan.
Amongst the 32 tracks presented here are a wonderful mix of some of the label's certifiable classics, some hidden gems, rare remixes and tracks appearing for the first time on CD. As is indicative of the label's unwavering spirit, Futuristica still express their commitment to their next fifteen years by showcasing a selection of brand new and exclusive tracks from the label's current roster, LaNote, Simon S, Deborah Jordan, Nathan Thomas and Georgie Sweet. And opening with a Marc Rapson helmed treasure featuring the combined talents of Sweet, Thomas and Jordan all adorning a sublime interpretation of 'People Make The World Go Round'. The compilation's accompanying coffee table-styled book again offers a worthwhile glimpse into the fifteen years of bliss offered up to this point.
But as good as a 32-track compilation is... is it really enough to adequately showcase the label's output in that time?
We think there should be more tracks... so listed alphabetically, here's 101 of them...
This is Blue-in-Green:RADIO's official celebration of Futuristica at 15. We doth our caps to the monumental milestone of fifteen years as an independent label carving their own lane with sincerity and passion. To many more...
1. 'All We Know' by Jazz Chronicles
Living in the Past, 2016
From the third - and possibly the strongest - contribution to the Jazz Chronicles catalogue, the Simon S jazz-meets-hip-hop project presented some of the best songs bearing the JC moniker through this effort. At times moody, at times nostalgic, but steeped in sentiment.
2. 'As If I Knew' by Jazz Chronicles
Jazz Chronicles, 2009
From the self-titled debut record of the Simon S alter ego of Jazz Chronicles, the project strived to present a series of jazz-inspired hip-hop instrumentals that showcased completely new perspectives of Simon S productions.
Music 4 Alternative Souls, 2018
Despite albums released under a multitude of collectives and alter-egos, 'Music 4 Alternative Souls' surprisingly marks the first album released under the name "Simon S". Boasting an excellent array of Futuristica-related friends and affiliates - including early vocal introductions to the talents of Georgie Sweet and Nathan Thomas - the Futuristica founder delivers productions ranking among his very best as evidenced by the album's strong showing throughout this list.
II, 2011
With the Jazz Chronicles project presenting predominately a series of instrumental productions celebrating the exciting chemistry between jazz and hip-hop, this sophomore outing from Simon S boasted a nice collection of vocal contributions from artists including Stac, Deborah Jordan, LaNote and rapper Replife which proved a brilliant way to present the Jazz Chronicles aesthetic in exciting new perspectives.
5. 'Black Bounce' by Jazz Chronicles
Living in the Past, 2016
6. 'Bologna' by Jazz Chronicles [Rise Spiritual Edit]
Jazz chronicles, 2009
The Light, 2009
Despite having already left an indelible mark on the UK's burgeoning future soul scene with extensive collaborations as part of Silhouette Brown and Robert Mitchell's Panacea, 'The Light' actually represents Deborah Jordan's debut solo album. Sure to have been released amongst much anticipation, Jordan's first Futuristica full-length saw take control of her own output amassing some production for a fantastic array of artists including Rise, Electric Conversation, Marc Rapson, Simbad, Kamara, Atjazz and Jneiro Jarel.
Virgo Stellar, 2021
Following a release of solo albums, post-Electric Conversation, exploring instrumental hip-hop productions, As Valet returned to Futuristica with a sleek reinvention of his sound. With vocals shared on the ten-track project by LaNote and J.Mcfysian, the album found its home within an inspired soulful style of electronica displaying the producer's boundless talents.
Life Stories EP, 2021
After a lengthy hiatus, it was with great excitement that the musical pairing of Deborah Jordan and Simon S were reunited under the Sun Circle umbrella for their EP 'Life Stories' - their first joint release in twelve years. Boasting subtle variations to the nu-soul aesthetic established through this project's predecessor, an excellent selection of five tracks are presented here - including a real treat in the form of Marc Rapson's remix of the EP's title track - marking a very welcome return for the duo.
Narita EP, 2007
Definitely ranking amongst one of Futuristica's forgotten masterpieces, the Stark duo of vocalist Natasha Stark and producer George Eyo delivered with a wonderful collection of tunes fusing together various styles from nu-soul to Zero 7-esque downtempo bliss.
Misunderstood, 2020
Having initially come up under the guidance of Deborah Jordan, the boundless talents of Georgie Sweet have actually been bubbling away on Futuristica for a couple of years now. Boasting a dream team on production duties: Simon S, Marc Rapson, Mecca:83, K15 and Theo Howarth... all masterful producers and music-makers in their own right but each with incredibly distinctive and varying styles. Whether it be the dusty, hip-hop-inspired aesthetic of Simon S, Rapson's quintessential nu-soul-sounding compositions or K15's more electronic and otherworldly textures, Georgie Sweet proves to be the project's anchor in every way - able to adapt to each of these styles, unifying them all into a project that ranks incredibly high amongst Futuristica's best.
The Unclosed Mind, 2008
Marc Rapson's introduction to the US rapper via MySpace led to a flurry of recording sessions when Replife had come over to the UK which, in turn, led to a meeting with Simon S and Deborah Jordan which, in turn, led to 'The Unclosed Mind'. Bolstered by appearances by Jordan on two of the album's tracks, production is also handled by a dream line-up including Dego & Kaidi Tatham, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Atjazz and Marc Rapson.
13. 'Escape' by Deborah Jordan
What You See, 2011
Deborah Jordan's sophomore album release arrived in fairly quick succession from its predecessor two years prior - a time period that also saw the debut of full-length of Sun Circle as well as Jordan continuing to chalk up collaborations with a variety of incredible names. Production on 'What You See' saw a similarly impressive guest list assembled including one-time Futuristica recording artist, Kira Neris, whose contribution in the form of 'Lullaby' was originally slated for inclusion within his own Futuristica follow-up.
14. 'Faith' by Jazz Chronicles featuring Deborah Jordan
II, 2011
Communication, 2007
With a young Parisien quartet of artists, DJs, producers and musicians having secured the opening slot for Silhouette Brown during their tour stop in Paris, Electric Conversation's connection with Deborah Jordan would lead to them delivering one of the defining Futuristica projects. Oz, LaNote, As Valet, Gus La Temp created exquisite fusions of varying genres that called back to classic golden era hip-hop as much as carving a new lane within soulful electronica.
16. 'Find A Way' [Atjazz Remix] by Masirah
2009
Time, 2010
A year after the release of 'Space', Emanative boldly continues the notion of cosmic jazz but plunges it within even more dynamic new territories thanks to the slew of more electronic-themed remixes available on this album. Names like Marc Rapson, Simon S, Scrimshire and K15 steer the music in exciting new dimsensions while new tracks and collaborations - like the 8+ minute 'Find You' offer more Emanative bliss.
18. 'Forever There' [aCatCalledFritz remix] by LaNote
Rebirth:Remixed, 2021
Soul Mentality, 2008
The North-London-based husband and wife team of Josh and Mary Mycroft released their debut album with Futuristica and demonstrated the duo's skill in marrying Mary's ethereal and dreamy vocal with Josh's sublime soundscape.
20. 'Half Human' [Simon S Extended Mix] by DJ Simon S featuring Georgie Sweet
Music 4 Alternative Souls, 2018
21. 'Here' by Georgie Sweet
Misunderstood, 2020
22. 'Higher' by Flyt
Soul Mentality, 2008
See in the Dark, 2020
Spearheaded by the flawless Marc Rapson-produced 'I'll See You Again', Deborah Jordan's third album breathed new life into Futuristica leading the charge for an exciting new era for the label. Boasting a great selection of in-house production from label friends and affiliates - and spawning a jaw-dropping series of remixes from glorious heavy-hitters - we previously described 'See in the Dark' as Jordan's magnum opus and is a project indicative of her formidable career to date.
24. 'Horizon' [DJ Spinna Remix] by Deborah Jordan
2020
25. 'Horizon' [Kaidi Tatham Remix] by Deborah Jordan
2020
Strangers to the Ordinary, 2006
The album that started it all! Featuring the talents of Randolph Matthews, Marcia Escoffery and Nanar - and produced by Tris Browne - Futuristica was started specifically at the time to have this record see the light of the day. Bolstered by an excellent selection of remixes, perhaps most famously the remix by US producer and rapper Kev Brown for 'When I Call', Low Budget Soul's album set the tone for every success Futuristica would amass in the ensuing years.
27. 'If I' by Deborah Jordan
What You See, 2011
28. 'I'll See You Again' by Deborah Jordan
See in the Dark, 2020
29. 'I'll See You Again' [Marc Rapson Remix] by Deborah Jordan
2020
Space, 2009
Marking the debut full-length from the drummer, percussionist and producer, Nick Woodmansey unveiled the first of two stunning projects through Futuristica. Taking its inspirations from the Sun Ra-esque cosmic realms, Emanative assembled an awesome guest list including vocalists Deborah Jordan, Liz Elensky and Heidi Vogel paired with musicians Jessica Lauren and Glen Fallows. A flawless record making a strong contribution to this list throughout.
31. 'Illusions' [Scrimshire Remix] by Emanative
Time, 2010
32. 'In My Mind' by Electric Conversation featuring Deborah Jordan
Communication, 2007
33. 'Into You' by Low Budget Soul
Strangers to the Ordinary, 2006
Days Past, 2017
Marking another project in Simon S's ever evolving sound, the latest alter ego - Peter Franks - looked to take the template as set out by the Jazz Chronicles to newer territories by employing more live instrumentation over the sample-based production techniques employed for JC. Amongst the excellent musicians featured include Matthew Halsall on the album's title track.
35. 'Lately' by DJ Simon S featuring Nicola Kramer & Jack Jones
Music 4 Alternative Souls, 2018
36. 'Lately' [Marc Rapson Remix] by DJ Simon S featuring Nicola Kramer
Music 4 Alternative Souls, 2018
37. 'Let Go' by Deborah Jordan
The Light, 2009
38. 'Libere-toi' by Electric Conversation
Communication, 2007
39. 'Life Stories' by Sun Circle
Life Stories EP, 2021
40. 'Life Stories' [Marc Rapson Remix] by Sun Circle
Life Stories EP, 2021
41. 'Lost' by As Valet featuring J.McFysian
Virgo Stellar, 2021
Dark vs Light, 2010; reissued 2021
Originally released as a seven track project back in 2010, 'Dark vs Light' finds itself bumped up to a thirteen track expanded edition featuring additional songs born of those recording sessions. With respect to Rapson's fantastic chemistry that he continually boasts with a variety of vocalists, it does hit as something of a surprise that so much of 'Dark vs Light' is actually a predominately instrumental-inspired project, and one that potentially draws its biggest inspiration from hip-hop.
43. 'Lullaby' by Deborah Jordan
What You See, 2011
44. 'Machine' by Deborah Jordan
See in the Dark, 2020
45. 'Manifest' [Peter Franks Remix] by Nathan Thomas
Manifest EP, 2021
46. 'Melodie' by Electric Conversation
Communication, 2007
Messages, 2011
From the brilliant mind of the Manchester-based producer and DJ, Rise, who would go on to find huge success under the moniker of Mecca:83, the project warranted every available accolade for its unique jazz-meets-hip-hop aesthetic - less so much a project that simply straddled the lines between each genre but one accomplishing the incredibly difficult task that saw its music sit comfortably within each.
48. 'Messages pt2' by Rise
Messages, 2011
49. 'Miracle' [Simon S Remix] by LaNote
Rebirth:Remixed, 2021
Rebirth, 2021
Even from her days as a part of Electric Conversation, LaNote's talent and ability was glaringly obvious boasting a unique vocal delivery which allowed her to interchange her style between singing and rapping over Dilla-inspired productions. The long-overdue solo project - produced by As Valet - served very much as LaNote's spiritual reconnection to music as well as using it as a vessel for her own, perhaps cathartic, level of personal and social commentary. As if 'Rebirth' couldn't be any more appealing, the album's second disc presents a series of remixes from long-time friends and affiliates providing some fantastic takes on an already excellent piece of work.
Electric Conversation, 2013
Released six years after Electric Conversation's initial debut, the awesome foursome returned with another slice of magic picking up where its predecessor left off. The album was spearheaded by the single 'Fly Away' which incredibally was a track originally slated for EC-member As Valet's long-in-the-works solo project, 'Virgo Stellar', which eventually saw its release in 2021.
Reborn, 2009
Sun Circle's debut full-length masterfully helped to cement the label's vision for future- and nu-soul music. Serving as a quintessential nu-soul gem, the project paired Simon S's atmospheric and ethereal production with the typically extraordinary vocal of Futuristica's First Lady, Deborah Jordan. Bolstered by a slew of incredible tracks, the album still sounds as glistening today as it did the day the project was etched into Futuristica's legacy.
53. 'Narita' [Nostalgia 77 Remix] by Stark
Narita EP, 2007
54. 'Nothing Lasts' by Deborah Jordan
The Light, 2009
55. 'Now It's Working' by Electric Conversation
Electric Conversation, 2013
56. 'One For Joe' [As Valet Remix] by Jazz Chronicles
Jazz Chronicles, 2009
57. 'Our Lost Brother' by Jazz Chronicles
Living in the Past, 2016
58. 'Our World' by Stark
Narita EP, 2007
59. 'Out Here' by Marc Rapson
Dark vs Light, 2010; reissued 2021
60. 'Pangea' by Replife featuring Deborah Jordan
The Unclosed Mind, 2008
61. 'Peaceful' by Sun Circle
Reborn, 2009
62. 'Phoenix' by Deborah Jordan
See in the Dark, 2020
63. 'Power To Be' [Peter Franks Remix] by LaNote
Rebirth:Remixed, 2021
64. 'Prayer For Love' by Rise
Messages, 2011
65. 'Put It Down' [Domu Remix] by Replife
The Unclosed Mind, 2008
66. 'Rebirth' by LaNote
Rebirth, 2021
67. 'Reborn' by Sun Circle
Reborn, 2009
68. 'Requiem' by Rise
Messages, 2011
69. 'Resilience' [Simon S Extended Edit] by Nathan Thomas
Manifest EP, 2021
70. 'Return To Dilla Suite' by Marc Rapson
Dark vs Light, 2010; reissued 2021
71. 'Rise' by Deborah Jordan
What You See, 2011
Behind Closed Doors, 2007
Taking his name from the Star Trek character Kira Nerys, producer and DJ Herve Poudoulec crafted a cult classic with his one-and-only album for Futuristica. With each track comprised of a series of intricate and tightly-woven samples, with some tracks believed to hold up to fifteen different sampled tracks within them.
Limehouse Session EP, 2016
Backed by an excellent live band comprised of Marc Rapson, Mr Mensah and Laurie Lowe, the Limehouse Sessions is perhaps the hidden gem amongst Deborah Jordan's catalogue. Through the course of these one-take interpretations of four select Jordan tracks, a more organic and soulful dimension is crafted for these notable classics further demonstrating her skill and revered status as an artist and performer.
74. 'Senses' [Nicolay Remix] by Deborah Jordan
2020
75. 'Serious' [Jabbathakut Remix] by Jazz Chronicles featuring Jack Jones
Living in the Past, 2016
76. 'Sirens' [Ol English Remix] by The Peter Franks Group
Days Past, 2017
77. 'Sorry' by Georgie Sweet
Misunderstood, 2020
78. 'Space in Veda' by Emanative featuring Deborah Jordan
Space, 2009
79. 'Stars Collide' by Emanative featuring Deborah Jordan
Space, 2009
80. 'Stars Collide' [Sun Circle Remix] by Emanative
81. 'Stars Fall Down' by Sun Circle
Reborn, 2009
Still Water, 2020
Initially envisaged as two separate EPs with production divided by Marc Rapson and Simon S, singer-songwriter Nathan Thomas presented his exciting vision for contemporary R&B with songs running the gamut from neo-soul to more dance-orientated future soul tracks and hip-hop-inspired compositions. Having made earlier appearances on albums by Simon S as well as having contributed to the masterpiece that is Deborah Jordan's 'I'll See You Again', Thomas makes a decided step towards centre stage through this ten-track release.
83. 'Stories' by Georgie Sweet
Misunderstood, 2020
84. 'Sunshine Through the Trees' by DJ Simon S featuring Georgie Sweet
Music 4 Alternative Souls, 2018
85. 'Sweet Twilight' by Kira Neris
Behind Closed Doors, 2007
86. 'Turn Your Lights On' by Emanative featuring Ahu
Time, 2010
87. 'Verite Sur L'amour' by As Valet featuring J.Mcfysian & LaNote
Virgo Stellar, 2021
88. 'Voodoo' by Nathan Thomas
Still Water, 2020
89. 'Want It Back' by Deborah Jordan
The Light, 2009
90. 'Waves' by Electric Conversation
Electric Conversation, 2013
91. 'Week-End' by LaNote
Rebirth, 2021
92. 'Week-End' [DJ Spinna Remix] by LaNote
Rebirth:Remixed, 2021
93. 'What You See' (Limehouse) by Deborah Jordan
The Limehouse Session EP, 2016
94. 'When I Call' [Kev Brown Remix] by Low Budget Soul
Strangers to the Ordinary, 2006
95. 'When On Earth' [Marc Rapson Remix] by Emanative
Time, 2010
96. 'Wind, Sand & Stars' by Emanative featuring Heidi Vogel
Space, 2009
97. 'Wind, Sand & Stars' [Jazz Chronicles Remix] by Emanative featuring Heidi Vogel
Time, 2010
98. 'With All His Might' by Kira Neris
Behind Closed Doors, 2007
99. 'Would You' by Stark
Narita EP, 2007
100. 'Ya Never Know' [Chris Read Rap Rennaisance Remix] Jazz Chronicles featuring Jack Jones
Living in the Past, 2016
101. 'You Are The One' by Low Budget Soul
Strangers to the Ordinary, 2006
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