LACK OF AFRO
“One of my favourite producers – he knows his way around a good single that one. Totally excellent.” Lauren Laverne (BBC 6 Music)
“Such a talent – album of the year for me, just a little bit special.” Craig Charles (BBC Radio 2 / 6 Music)
Hot off the release of his critically acclaimed fifth studio record, ‘Hello Baby’, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Adam Gibbons (aka Lack of Afro) is back behind the mixing desk crafting his next album. Slated for release in early 2018, this record will mark an incredible decade in music for Gibbons.
Hailed as one of BBC 6 Music’s ‘Albums of the Year’ for 2016, ‘Hello Baby’ was the first release on his new LOA Records imprint. The album truly resonated with global audiences as they propelled ‘Hello Baby’ into the top 10 of the iTunes R&B/Soul chart in 21 countries worldwide.
Gibbons has enjoyed consistent success with his Lack of Afro moniker, releasing his first album ‘Press On’ in the autumn of 2007. To date, over 30,000 physical copies of what iDJ magazine called ‘one of the finest albums of the modern funk era’ have been sold worldwide. Never one to settle, Adam built on this acclaim with the release of ‘My Groove Your Move’ in 2009, quickly dispelling any talk of the sophomore slump.
The release of ‘This Time’ in 2011 saw Gibbons continue his work with Wax & Herbal T, collaborating on the massive hit ‘P.A.R.T.Y’ that was subsequently used by Footlocker & Adidas for a worldwide advertising campaign.
Containing the sold-out 7” soul classic ‘Recipe For Love’, fourth album ‘Music For Adverts’ followed in 2014, soaring into the top 10 on the iTunes R&B/Soul charts in nine countries, achieving top-five status in four more, and cementing Gibbons’ place as one of the most in-demand producers of the modern soul scene.
Away from the studio, Adam’s music has been in high demand for use in TV, Film and Advertising, with directors including Steven Soderbergh and companies including ABC, Disney, Dreamworks, FOX, HBO, Sony Pictures, BBC, Adidas and Miller Lite all using the Lack of Afro sound for successful projects and campaigns.
Proving that he is not just a studio hermit, the Lack of Afro Live Band have gained a formidable reputation for sell-out concerts across the UK, with a full international tour coming in 2018. The band features Gibbons himself on bass, percussion, occasional saxophone and drums, with many of the other players also swapping instruments, making for truly unique live show.
More recently, Lack of Afro tracks have featured on compilations from Universal, Warner Brothers and Sony Music. The new Lack of Afro album will be released in March 2018.
“Absolutely loving this!” Jo Whiley (BBC Radio 2)
“Making great music and always making it interesting.” Jamie Cullum (Grammy Award winner)
“One of the kings of modern soul.” (Juno Records)
CROWD COMPANY
A modern take on vintage soul funk from highly acclaimed 8 piece band Crowd Company. Brimming with energy , catchy hooks and tight grooves the band combine a Hammond organ based sound with a virtuoso horn section and 3 outstanding soulful singers, often blending multi-part harmonies. The band have just released a new album ‘Stone&Sky’ on the USA based Vintage League Music label, produced by Alan Evans (Soulive). The album has received rave reviews and Radio airplay across Europe & the USA.
“At the forefront of the British modern funk scene. **** 4 stars” Music-news
“An absolute gem. **** 4 stars” – Blues & Soul magazine
“If you want exceptional funk Crowd Company has it!” The Huffington Post
“Excellent, lowdown funk” Craig Charles BBC Radio 6
“Sophisticated songwriting and tons of uplifting catchy hooks and devastating grooves” Music Culture
NOBLE & HEATH
Instagram @nobleandheathsoundmachine
Double decking vinyl duo DJs playing proper music for proper dancing. Committed collectors, the girls have brought some much needed freshness to dance floors all over London, stepping up the tempo one 7″ at a time, spinning the very best in Northern, Modern and Crossover all mixed together with a healthy dose of Disco, and the kind of soulful shenanigans that keep you out ’til the lights come on. Expect unashamed energy and rascalish behaviour from the outset.
The girls have played alongside the likes of Norman Jay MBE and Craig Charles and are regularly seen guesting at some of London’s best underground Soul and Disco nights.