Genres in this issue: indie, African, funk, garage rock, post-punk
4Mars
Super Somali Sounds
Selected by Luke (Wax & Stamp)
Soft Jocks
Sinking Dingers
Selected by Joe Booley - Beth Shalom Records
The Letter
This month has been a fun one here at Wax and Stamp. We have booked the pressing of our first record on the Wax and Stamp label! It has been a learning curve to say the least, but it will mean that we can bring you more quality music, and help break bands and artists while giving them a fair cut of their vinyl sales. The record should be with us in October, and it will be included in your subscription. More details on the release itself later down the line. Exciting times!
Now onto this month’s records: our 12” is chosen by our first guest selector in a while. Joe Booley is an accomplished musician and founder of Beth Shalom Records, the Genre-Fluid and Sustainable Record Label. The label has been around since 2014, and has been very successful, having released over 100 records with 40+ artists including Raketkanon, Rosehip Teahouse, itoldyouiwouldeatyou and many more.
Joe has chosen the new single by Soft Jocks. He says:
'This is the first major release from a brand new label called Elephant Arch Records and they've really smashed it out of the park with this release. If you enjoy Garage-Rock and Post-Punk this will be right up your street!! Keep an eye on this band and this label, a lot more great things to come I'm sure!!'
Now, the album. I got this for myself last month, and after heavy listening had to get it for you, no matter the cost. Somali group 4 Mars is the 40-person house band of The People’s Rally for Progress Party - Djibouti’s ruling political party since the country gained independence. The music has been produced as a way to unite, and create a sense of togetherness. “Super Somali Sounds” is the definitive collection of their work.
Djibouti is a huge melting pot cultures and ideas, and this album incorporates Egyptian and Yemeni rhythms, Sudanese music structures, Turkish synthesizers, reggae-esque Somali Dhaanto rhythms, horns by master saxophonist Mohamed Abdi Alto, Chinese and Mongolian flute patterns, and Somali singers’ vocals inspired by Bollywood. Read the sleeve notes for the full story & enjoy this beautiful ride.
