Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Taken from the forthcoming EP 'No Rain, No Flowers'
'Someone' is performed by Ruby Wood & Devin Tracy.
Produced by Rob Mitchell, El Train & Paal Singh.
Written by Ruby Wood, Devin Tracy, Rob Mitchell, El Train, Paal Singh & Martin Chung.
Video filmed* & edited by Ciaran Wilson.
(Devin Tracy segment self-recorded by artist)
PLAY / DOWNLOAD: lnk.to/fw372
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First Word Records proudly bring you the new single from Ruby Wood, ‘Someone’, also featuring Devin Tracy. This is the first track from Ruby’s forthcoming sophomore EP ‘No Rain, No Flowers’.
Ruby is a singer / songwriter hailing from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire in the UK. Her soulful yet distinctive voice has enabled her to front numerous projects over the years; perhaps best known as lead vocalist of the critically acclaimed Submotion Orchestra, since 2009.
In 2024 she performed live on-stage alongside r&b legend Bryson Tiller at his sell-out UK shows, including Wembley Arena & Manchester Apollo. Ruby has also performed live with Nightmares on Wax & Abstract Orchestra, additionally to touring with Bonobo & Nubiyan Twist, and collaborating with the likes of Krept & Konan, Alfa Mist, GLXY and Roska, to name a few.
The diversity of her career, ranging from the intimate to the large-scale performances, gives Ruby a unique balance of vulnerability and musical depth, prioritising authenticity over spectacle. As a solo artist, her work is rooted in honest lived experiences, leading to a focus on songs that resonate long after first listen.
Her first solo EP ‘Sincerely’ dropped back in 2023, and received love from the likes of Jamie Cullum, Jyoty, Craig Charles, Huey Morgan, Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM), Ronnie Herel (Mi-Soul Radio's 'One to Watch') & Wordplay magazine.
The follow-up EP ‘No Rain, No Flowers’ is a personal tale of growth through adversity. Reflecting on long-term love, fleeting intimacy, grief, and the relationships that shape us. Rather than offering answers, the EP sits with life as it is. Imperfect, cyclical and shared. The title speaks to the belief that difficult experiences are not separate from growth, but essential to it.
Musically, the project encompasses contemporary flavours within the realms of r&b, soul and hip hop. With production primarily from Rob Mitchell of Abstract Orchestra, it features vocal collaborations from Illa J, PRIDO, Abnormal Sleepz & Devin Tracy, who each bring their own distinct perspective, whilst complimenting the EP’s introspective tone; favouring warmth, restraint & lyrical authenticity.
The first single ‘Someone’ has a distinctive 90’s r&b vibe to it - a smooth but heavyweight slow jam, with Ruby and Devin trading verses over a beat originally put together by El Train & Paal Singh. The drums thump, whilst the harmonies sooth.
Thematically Ruby explains that ‘Someone’ was “written whilst I was single, looking back on a time when love felt easier. It’s a reminder that finding love isn’t simple, and that those already in relationships should cherish what they have and not take love for granted…”
‘Someone’ is released on all digital platforms Thurs May 28th, with the EP due for release in late July.
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PLAY/DOWNLOAD: lnk.to/fw372
Released by First Word Records
Distributed by Kudos Records UK
Published by Metropolis Songs
Taken from the forthcoming EP 'No Rain, No Flowers'
'Someone' is performed by Ruby Wood & Devin Tracy.
Produced by Rob Mitchell, El Train & Paal Singh.
Written by Ruby Wood, Devin Tracy, Rob Mitchell, El Train, Paal Singh & Martin Chung.
Video filmed* & edited by Ciaran Wilson.
(Devin Tracy segment self-recorded by artist)
PLAY / DOWNLOAD: lnk.to/fw372
-----------
First Word Records proudly bring you the new single from Ruby Wood, ‘Someone’, also featuring Devin Tracy. This is the first track from Ruby’s forthcoming sophomore EP ‘No Rain, No Flowers’.
Ruby is a singer / songwriter hailing from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire in the UK. Her soulful yet distinctive voice has enabled her to front numerous projects over the years; perhaps best known as lead vocalist of the critically acclaimed Submotion Orchestra, since 2009.
In 2024 she performed live on-stage alongside r&b legend Bryson Tiller at his sell-out UK shows, including Wembley Arena & Manchester Apollo. Ruby has also performed live with Nightmares on Wax & Abstract Orchestra, additionally to touring with Bonobo & Nubiyan Twist, and collaborating with the likes of Krept & Konan, Alfa Mist, GLXY and Roska, to name a few.
The diversity of her career, ranging from the intimate to the large-scale performances, gives Ruby a unique balance of vulnerability and musical depth, prioritising authenticity over spectacle. As a solo artist, her work is rooted in honest lived experiences, leading to a focus on songs that resonate long after first listen.
Her first solo EP ‘Sincerely’ dropped back in 2023, and received love from the likes of Jamie Cullum, Jyoty, Craig Charles, Huey Morgan, Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM), Ronnie Herel (Mi-Soul Radio's 'One to Watch') & Wordplay magazine.
The follow-up EP ‘No Rain, No Flowers’ is a personal tale of growth through adversity. Reflecting on long-term love, fleeting intimacy, grief, and the relationships that shape us. Rather than offering answers, the EP sits with life as it is. Imperfect, cyclical and shared. The title speaks to the belief that difficult experiences are not separate from growth, but essential to it.
Musically, the project encompasses contemporary flavours within the realms of r&b, soul and hip hop. With production primarily from Rob Mitchell of Abstract Orchestra, it features vocal collaborations from Illa J, PRIDO, Abnormal Sleepz & Devin Tracy, who each bring their own distinct perspective, whilst complimenting the EP’s introspective tone; favouring warmth, restraint & lyrical authenticity.
The first single ‘Someone’ has a distinctive 90’s r&b vibe to it - a smooth but heavyweight slow jam, with Ruby and Devin trading verses over a beat originally put together by El Train & Paal Singh. The drums thump, whilst the harmonies sooth.
Thematically Ruby explains that ‘Someone’ was “written whilst I was single, looking back on a time when love felt easier. It’s a reminder that finding love isn’t simple, and that those already in relationships should cherish what they have and not take love for granted…”
‘Someone’ is released on all digital platforms Thurs May 28th, with the EP due for release in late July.
------
PLAY/DOWNLOAD: lnk.to/fw372
Released by First Word Records
Distributed by Kudos Records UK
Published by Metropolis Songs
![Above The Clouds, kidkanevil & Magic Manfred - Tram Delay Beat [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uJFyDjxXR6M/mqdefault.jpg "Above The Clouds, kidkanevil & Magic Manfred - Tram Delay Beat [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw335
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#FirstWordRecords #RapHipHop #InstrumentalEastCoast
Album: Arrow Root [SINGLE]
Track: 2 of 2
Title: Tram Delay Beat
Artist: Above The Clouds, kidkanevil & Magic Manfred
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW335
Formats: 7 Vinyl/Digital
Digital Release: 12th June 2025
Physical Release: 20th June 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are proud to present the debut single from Above The Clouds (aka kidkanevil & Magic Manfred) with their instrumental take on an MF DOOM classic, Arrow Root
One of the original First Word roster, UK Producer/DJ and all-round laptop music geek kidkanevil has developed a distinctive and progressive sound over the years, gleefully exploring the beats and bleeps of the electronic music universe to international recognition. Leeds born, sound system bred and raised on a (un)healthy diet of video games and anime, his solo work inhabits the curious space between bass frequencies and otaku culture. But as a devoted teenage backpack rap nerd, somewhere in the back of kids mind was a lingering desire to reconnect with his first love, hip hop.
Not long after moving to Berlin he joined a studio space in graffiti plastered Kreuzberg, where he met multi instrumentalist wizard Magic Manfred; a disciple of all things boogie, disco, funk and soul. Born and raised in Berlin, and currently a touring musician for many an act, Manfreds musical map joins the dots from piano lessons at four, to starting a band with his teenage friends, leading him to his true calling - the bass - via the club vibrations of his hometown, which introduced him to the world of DJing and production, and a stint studying in the explosive London jazz scene to finalise his Jedi training.
Bonding over their mutual love of 90s hip hop, a friendship and musical kinship developed, coupled with a desire to honour past eras but push things forward, Above The Clouds was born; named after their joint favourite DJ Premier beat, with a touch of irony regarding their basement based studio of a windowless variety.
kidkanevil explains We did a number of covers to sort of get warmed up and in the pocket, of which Arrow Root was one. I actually interviewed DOOM once, mask and all, and I always regretted I forgot to ask him about the original sample. Its been one of my favourite DOOM beats forever and it came up in conversation one day, then manifested pretty quickly into a session. It came together with relative ease and quickness, which is usually a good sign. Manfred worked out the chords and I remade the drums in about the same time frame. Mario is an exceptional saxophone player based in Berlin, so a few text messages later she came by the studio and nailed the entire thing on her first take. And that was that, our humble tribute to the supervillain!
This one is backed up on the flip side with Tram Delay Beat; a low slung neck-snapper teasing more of whats to come.
This is the first single from the duo, with a long player now in the works…
Above the crowds, above the clouds, where the sounds are original, infinite skills create miracles…
Arrow Root is available on digital & 7 vinyl worldwide on June 12th 2025.")
![Amanda Whiting - Feels so Far Away [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uLQ6qyus67s/mqdefault.jpg "Amanda Whiting - Feels so Far Away [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw332
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#FirstWordRecords #Jazz #Fusion
Album: The Liminality of Her (Deluxe Edition) [ALBUM]
Track: 10 of 14
Title: Feels so Far Away
Artist: Amanda Whiting
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW332
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 11th April 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records is very proud to present a deluxe edition of Amanda Whitings The Liminality of Her album, featuring three brand new tracks along with a remix from label-mate, Quiet Dawn.
Amanda Whiting is a highly-acclaimed Welsh harpist & composer. A virtuoso in her field, this classically trained musician quickly established herself as an essential player in the UK jazz scene, carving her own unique sound, following on from the paths forged by Ashby and Coltrane.
Following the release of The Liminality of Her a year ago, the album featured in Spotifys Best UK Jazz of 2024 and received glowing reviews in Mojo, Jazzwise, Somewhere Soul, Bandcamp, Clash, AllMusic, Harp Column, Apple Music and HHV, to name a few, along with numerous Album of the Year nods and various other accolades, garnering praise critically and publicly.
Over the past few years, shes had the support of radio stations & tastemakers such as BBC Radio 2 (Jamie Cullum), BBC 6 Music (Cerys Matthews, New Music Fix). BBC Radio 3 (Soweto Kinch, Breakfast Show), BBC Wales (Adam Walton), Selector Radio (Sian Eleri), NTS Radio (Patrick Forge), FiP (Laurent Garnier), Soho Radio (Tina Edwards) and Jazz FM (Tony Minvielle, Chris Phillips, Robbie Vincent, Dom Servini), who also nominated her for Instrumentalist of the Year.
This album exemplifies Amandas talents as a performer and composer, taking in an array of hypnotising sonics from the worlds of jazz; from fusion to spiritual and beyond. A confident display of purposefully blissful compositions that saunter as much as they soothe, whilst being unafraid to lean into some deep uptempo grooves.
Amanda describes the theme of this project as liminality... that place in between, the transition from one place to another. No longer what it was, yet not what its going to be.
The harp always presents itself at these moments. Its a sound that causes an emotion. My instrument chose me. Its been with me through every chapter of life. Its how I speak, especially when there are no words.
This album is a rite of passage for her. A feeling of alchemy, a feeling of liberation. Moments of inner searching, intertwined, waiting but moving forward. Never looking back.
The Liminality of Her encompasses the highs and the lows. The nomadic love of freedom and spirituality. Its all so much bigger than you or I…
For this special deluxe edition, Amanda takes on Hammerstein & Rodgerss classic My Favorite Things, presents two new compositions (Mary Over There and At Ease) and French multi-instrumentalist Quiet Dawn provides a dancefloor friendly remix of the single Intertwined, featuring the vocals of Brighton-based singer PEACH.
Amanda joined the First Word label roster via a collaborative project with Don Leisure, Beyond The Midnight Sun, as well as a feature on his Welsh Music Prize nominated project Shaboo Strikes Back.
Shes previously performed, toured and collaborated with a wildly eclectic set of artists, including Matthew Halsall, Rebecca Vasmant, DJ Yoda, Gizmo Varillas and Chip Wickham (who also features on this project), whilst previously releasing three solo albums on Jazzman Records, and a remix project for Scrimshires Alberts Favourites imprint, ending 2024 with a divine seasonal album A Christmas Cwtch, also on First Word.
Shes performed with her own trio at numerous festivals across Europe, including We Out Here, and had headline shows at The Jazz Cafe and Hootananny in London, with an upcoming show at the legendary Ronnie Scotts in June 2025.
The Liminality of Her (Deluxe Edition) is released digitally on April 11th 2025.")
![Amanda Whiting - We Three Kings [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ucianmDbzBA/mqdefault.jpg "Amanda Whiting - We Three Kings [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #Jazz #SmoothJazz
Album: A Christmas Cwtch [ALBUM]
Track: 13 of 14
Title: We Three Kings
Artist: Amanda Whiting
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW322
Formats: Vinyl LP/CD Album/Digital
Digital Release: 2nd December 2024
Physical Release: 12th December 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are very proud to bring you A Christmas Cwtch, the brand new album from highly-acclaimed Welsh jazz-harpist, Amanda Whiting.
Expertly crafted with love, care and dedication, A Christmas Cwtch takes on assorted classics from the likes of Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Holst and Tchaikovsky, and re-presents them with original arrangements by Amanda and her accomplished trio. The end result is a 14-track selection pack of feel-good seasonal jazz-harp magic, including recent singles Peace Piece and Skating.
Amanda says just mention Christmas and you hear Guaraldi, Bill Evans and the sound of sleigh bells and harps. Its my favourite time of year and the music evokes everything warm and cwtchy. Sparkling lights, mince pies, mulled wine and nostalgia around the tree.
On the word cwtch, Amanda explains that a cwtch is the most important word to Welsh folk. Its a hug, with a little squeeze. Its a feeling. Its cosy, loving and safe. I wanted this album to hold you, cwtch you and allow you to indulge.
Inspired by artists like Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, Amanda is a classically trained virtuoso, well established in the UK jazz scene, with releases on Jazzman and Alberts Favourites.
Her most recent projects were released on Worldwide Award-winning UK label, First Word; Beyond the Midnight Sun (with label-mate and Welsh Music Prize nominee, Don Leisure) and the hugely popular 2024 album The Liminality of Her, which received widespread praise in outlets such as Jazzwise, Mojo, Clash, Bandcamp, AllMusic, Somewhere Soul, HHV, Apple Music and Harp Column.
She has had wide support on the airwaves from tastemakers such as Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM), Deb Grant (BBC 6 Music), Patrick Forge (NTS), Soweto Kinch (BBC Radio 3), Kev Beadle (Totally Wired), Tina Edwards (Soho Radio), Laurent Garnier (FiP) and Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2).
A Christmas Cwtch exemplifies Amandas talent and personality simultaneously, celebrating an array of her favourite things; the harp, her Welshness, her love of jazz, her love of classical music and her love of Christmas. This album is an absolute delight, and the perfect soundtrack for the season. An essential stocking filler!
A Christmas Cwtch is scheduled for December 2nd 2024 release on digital, vinyl and CD.")
![Black Sumo - Rehearsal [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ug4BYh7F7JE/mqdefault.jpg "Black Sumo - Rehearsal [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #RapHipHop #InstrumentalEastCoast
Album: Silent Stones [SINGLE]
Track: 2 of 2
Title: Rehearsal
Artist: Black Sumo
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW369
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 10th April 2026
About This Release:
First Word Records is proud to present Black Sumo, and his first full single release for the label, Silent Stones / Rehearsal .
Black Sumo is the instrumental-hip hop alias of KRTS aka Kurtis Hairston; an artist raised in Pittsburgh, USA, traversing to Brooklyn, NY, and currently residing in Berlin, Germany.
Here we have two tracks taken from a forthcoming 12-track beat tape entitled Clarity, scheduled to drop April 2026.
In the early period of the pandemic, during a walk & talk with a Covid-meter of distance between each other, KRTS strolled the empty streets of Berlin with a friend. The details of the discussion are a blur, but the statement yo, that is as rare as a black sumo wrestler is recalled. They laughed & continued their walk. KRTS began reflecting on those words. Black Sumo… That could be an artist name… But, what kind of music?…. His friend agreed & quickly confidently replied definitely hip hop beats.
So was born the moniker & the concept. Sonically it began as a homage to the instrumental beat tapes hed make in his dark & musty basement in Pennsylvania at the turn of the century. Raw & gritty, they combined jazzy lo-fi boom bap, reminiscent of early 90s East Coast & Bay Area sounds, with added flares of dramatic layered melodies, and a hint of Shoegaze-esque walls of reverb.
Silent Stones epitomises that conglomerate of aural textures and represents a full flavour of the forthcoming project. Ethereal filtered ambience gives way to reveal an infectious dose of headnod hip hop, sharp kicks & snares, and a hook that the more discerning heads will no doubt recognise.
Meanwhile Rehearsal appropriately sets up the sonic footing as we intend to proceed.Crisp crunchy drums reflect the season, like footsteps through frozen snow. Light-shuffling jazz percussion accompanies twinkling glacier-like bells and ethereal harp strums, which filter in and out breezily throughout the track.
This one is available April 10th on all digital platforms, with full Clarity to come in late Spring, also on limited cassette.")
![Victoria Port - Haunting [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v6N8NPhHF-k/mqdefault.jpg "Victoria Port - Haunting [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #ElectronicaDance #Garage
Album: Haunting (Murder He Wrote Remix) [SINGLE]
Track: 2 of 2
Title: Haunting
Artist: Victoria Port
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW336
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 2nd May 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records is proud to bring you the Murder He Wrote remix of Victoria Ports Haunting.
Murder He Wrote provides a classic UK garage rub of the second single taken from Victorias debut solo EP Did it Again, released early in the year on the Worldwide Award-winning independent label.
Victoria is a British singer/songwriter thats previously released two albums as half of electronic soul outfit Anushka (on Brownswood and Tru Thoughts respectively), with third album Ancestry scheduled for release June 27th 2025 on BBE.
In recent months, Victoria has had love for her debut solo EP from tastemakers such as Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music / Worldwide FM), Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music), Huey Morgan (BBC 6 Music), Somewhere Soul, Mo Ayoub (Selector Radio), Mafalda (NTS), Ronnie Herel (Mi-Souls One to Watch), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM) and across platforms like Soho Radio and Global Soul, to cite a few.
Originally produced by Shevlane and Hemai, Victoria says Haunting is about an inability for someone to let go. When they cant read the messages and continue to try, to keep echoes of the past alive in the present….
Murder He Wrote is based in Manchester and has built a rep for blending elements of garage, UK funky and bruk into his sound, originally breaking out on Roskas label. Hes had an array of sets on Rinse FM, BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, Boiler Room & NTS, and support from the likes of Ben UFO, Skream and Jamz Supernova.
This mix is aimed squarely at the dancefloor, as we hurtle ever closer towards Summer.
Haunting (Murder He Wrote Remix) is available on all digital platforms, May 2nd 2025.")
![Victoria Port - Did It Again [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vFNqFc0aWAk/mqdefault.jpg "Victoria Port - Did It Again [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #Soul
Album: Did It Again [EP]
Track: 3 of 4
Title: Did It Again
Artist: Victoria Port
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW320
Formats: 12 Vinyl/Digital
Digital Release: 7th February 2025
Physical Release: 7th February 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are delighted to present Did It Again, the debut EP from Victoria Port.
Victoria is a British singer/songwriter thats previously released two albums as half of electronic soul outfit Anushka (on Brownswood and Tru Thoughts respectively), with a third album from the duo scheduled for release later in 2025 on BBE. Now Victoria is finally making the move to showcase her music, in her own unique way, as a solo artist.
Her first solo single Cigarette saw support from Cerys Matthews & Huey Morgan on BBC 6 Music, Gilles Peterson (Worldwide FM), Mi-Soul Radio (One To Watch), Dan Digs (NPR Music), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM), Somewhere Soul, Soho Radio, Totally Wired, Global Soul (also as part of their live showcase at Koko, London) and many more, while her last Anushka project also received extensive support from tastemakers such as Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Jamz Supernova, and saw her wowing crowds as a regular player on the UK and international festival circuit.
This debut 4-track EP is set to place her where she firmly belongs; as an exciting new talent in the vibrant, eclectic UK r&b/soul scene.
As well as the single Cigarette, the EP includes the beautiful follow-up single Haunting, and two more soulful tracks; the slow jam Keep Love For Me, and the title track Did It Again. Production comes courtesy of Hemai and Shevlane, with all tracks written by Victoria herself, along with her trusted team of accomplices; JNR Williams, Dominic Martin & Louie Hemus.
Did It Again is largely inspired by the legacy of her Dominican grandmother, and the tales of all the powerful women she has known, and is yet to know, encompassing their vulnerability and their truth. This in turn with her own journey as a mother. I found the journey into motherhood transformative, she says. I felt lost and broken at times, but simultaneously the most capable and powerful Ive ever been. Ive had to do the work and face my own shortcomings, in order to be the person I want to be, for my child, and ultimately for myself.
Sonically, Victoria takes her influences from a lifelong appreciation of soul music, drawing inspiration from artists like Gladys Knight, Minnie Riperton, Diana Ross, Nine Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Dionne Warwick, to contemporaries such as Cleo Sol and Jorja Smith. She adds Im particularly obsessed with the girl bands from the 60s. I love the stories and the harmonies. Motown was the soundtrack to my childhood. Songs that make you want to dance in your kitchen!.
This debut solo EP is a beautiful example of Victorias prowess as a vocalist and composer alike.
Did It Again is to be released on vinyl and digitally worldwide in February 2025.")
![Georgie Sweet - Energy (Children of Zeus Remix) [feat. Children of Zeus] [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vUdQSs-eLGM/mqdefault.jpg "Georgie Sweet - Energy (Children of Zeus Remix) [feat. Children of Zeus] [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #ContemporaryRampB
Album: Energy (Children of Zeus Remix) [SINGLE]
Track: 1 of 2
Title: Energy (Children of Zeus Remix)
Artist: Georgie Sweet (feat. Children of Zeus)
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW363
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 19th February 2026
About This Release:
First Word Records are proud to present the Children of Zeus remix of Georgie Sweets Energy.
This is the first in a set of new versions of tracks that originally appeared on the Brighton-based singer-songwriters soulful sophomore album I Swear To You, released Summer 2025, produced & co-written by Marc Rapson.
This record received an abundance of love & praise from the likes of Gilles Peterson (including a live Worldwide FM session), Lauren Laverne (BBC 6 Music), Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM), Patrick Forge (NTS), Clash Magazine, Somewhere Soul, Assorted Tapes (USA), Bandcamp (Albums of the Year) and many more, across Rinse FM, Soho Radio and beyond.
The remix of Energy comes courtesy of label-mates and Mancunian hip hop-soul kings, Children of Zeus. This follows on from a previous collaboration between the artists, as Georgies first appearance on the First Word label was her feature on the title track of the duos last album Balance, back in 2021. For this new version, Konny Kon and Tyler Daley flip the track in their trademark bass-weighted style of alternative R&B, with Tyler also providing additional vocals to the piece.
More mixes to follow in the coming months from a varied selection of producers at the top of their game right now, including Nu:Tone, Kaidi Tatham, Don Leisure & Last Nubian.
For now, soak up this SWEET soulful Springtime Energy…
Released on all digital platforms, February 19th 2026.")
![Tall Black Guy - From Home to Work, and Back (Reprise) [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vqedGulxWfA/mqdefault.jpg "Tall Black Guy - From Home to Work, and Back (Reprise) [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #RapHipHop #InstrumentalEastCoast
Album: 8 Miles to Moenart (10th Anniversary Edition) [ALBUM]
Track: 4 of 10
Title: From Home to Work, and Back (Reprise)
Artist: Tall Black Guy
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW316
Formats: Vinyl LP/Digital
Digital Release: 18th October 2024
Physical Release: 25th October 2024
About This Release:
First Word Records is very proud to bring you the 10th anniversary edition of Tall Black Guys debut LP 8 Miles to Moenart!
It includes two brand new jazz interpretations (From Home To Work, And Back and Running The Motor), recorded with a live band, as well as a new intro cut (Black Detroit), and an alternative mix of the single Mon Amie Detroit, previously only available on 7 vinyl.
The original vinyl LP release was a one-time limited edition pressing; this being the first time this project has been available on wax since then, and also includes entirely new artwork and photography.
From humble origins in Detroit, raised on a healthy diet of Motown, jazz and hip hop, Terrel Wallace (aka Tall Black Guy) has become a standard bearer for the hip hop beats scene. Through a steady stream of soulful productions filled with incredibly clever sample flips and deft production chops, he has won fans across the world, including Gilles Peterson, Benji B, Don Letts, Lefto, Tom Ravenscroft, Lord Finesse, Huey Morgan, Anthony Valadez and countless others, along with sessions for Boiler Room and more.
8 Miles To Moenart literally brought Tall Black Guy full circle, and proceeds to do so once again. Detroit was where he started making music, and its to his hometown he took inspiration for this debut album. Taking in low-slung hip hop, downtempo house and jazz-tinged street soul, its a record of rare focus. It encapsulated the musical heritage of Detroit, through the looking glass of Tall Black Guys own signature sound.
Follow up releases included his sophomore First Word album Lets Take A Trip (which also featured the likes of Masego, Daniel Crawford, Miles Bonny and Moonchild), and records on Ubiquity, Bastard Jazz and Street Corner Music, to name a few, along with a steady slew of limited self-released edits amd productions, most recently with his #7DayVaults series.
Hes worked with a number of formidable artists worldwide, including recent extensive work with Zo! (Little Brother), Ozay Moore, Deborah Bond and Dee Jackson (80s Babies), as well as collaborations with 14KT and First Word label-mate Allysha Joy, to name just a few. He is also an integral player for DJ Jazzy Jeffs infamous PLAYlist Retreat sessions, along with more First Word family, Kaidi Tatham and Eric Lau, as well as artists like James Poyser, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Questlove, and he was a core contributor to First Words Nothing Leaves The House series, along with Eric, Mr Thing and kidkanevil.
Tall Black Guy has firmly established himself to be one of the most influential producers working today.
Terrel says I made the bulk of this album back in Detroit around 2012/2013, before I relocated to the UK. Ive been back living and working in the States for a while now, and its great to look back on this project. But while its nice to reminisce, its important to look forwards, so I wanted to include something new here to represent my progression as an artist, so theres some new versions included, that I created with the help of some jazz musician friends of mine.
8 Miles to Moenart (10th Anniversary Edition) will be released on digital & vinyl on October 18th 2024.")
![Amanda Whiting - The Christmas Song [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vuTiJ_ik6qU/mqdefault.jpg "Amanda Whiting - The Christmas Song [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw322
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Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
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#FirstWordRecords #Jazz #SmoothJazz
Album: A Christmas Cwtch [ALBUM]
Track: 11 of 14
Title: The Christmas Song
Artist: Amanda Whiting
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW322
Formats: Vinyl LP/CD Album/Digital
Digital Release: 2nd December 2024
Physical Release: 12th December 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are very proud to bring you A Christmas Cwtch, the brand new album from highly-acclaimed Welsh jazz-harpist, Amanda Whiting.
Expertly crafted with love, care and dedication, A Christmas Cwtch takes on assorted classics from the likes of Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Holst and Tchaikovsky, and re-presents them with original arrangements by Amanda and her accomplished trio. The end result is a 14-track selection pack of feel-good seasonal jazz-harp magic, including recent singles Peace Piece and Skating.
Amanda says just mention Christmas and you hear Guaraldi, Bill Evans and the sound of sleigh bells and harps. Its my favourite time of year and the music evokes everything warm and cwtchy. Sparkling lights, mince pies, mulled wine and nostalgia around the tree.
On the word cwtch, Amanda explains that a cwtch is the most important word to Welsh folk. Its a hug, with a little squeeze. Its a feeling. Its cosy, loving and safe. I wanted this album to hold you, cwtch you and allow you to indulge.
Inspired by artists like Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, Amanda is a classically trained virtuoso, well established in the UK jazz scene, with releases on Jazzman and Alberts Favourites.
Her most recent projects were released on Worldwide Award-winning UK label, First Word; Beyond the Midnight Sun (with label-mate and Welsh Music Prize nominee, Don Leisure) and the hugely popular 2024 album The Liminality of Her, which received widespread praise in outlets such as Jazzwise, Mojo, Clash, Bandcamp, AllMusic, Somewhere Soul, HHV, Apple Music and Harp Column.
She has had wide support on the airwaves from tastemakers such as Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM), Deb Grant (BBC 6 Music), Patrick Forge (NTS), Soweto Kinch (BBC Radio 3), Kev Beadle (Totally Wired), Tina Edwards (Soho Radio), Laurent Garnier (FiP) and Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2).
A Christmas Cwtch exemplifies Amandas talent and personality simultaneously, celebrating an array of her favourite things; the harp, her Welshness, her love of jazz, her love of classical music and her love of Christmas. This album is an absolute delight, and the perfect soundtrack for the season. An essential stocking filler!
A Christmas Cwtch is scheduled for December 2nd 2024 release on digital, vinyl and CD.")
![Above The Clouds, Kidkanevil & Magic Manfred - U3P1 (feat. Paolo De Jesus) [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wDDnkUDbTXs/mqdefault.jpg "Above The Clouds, Kidkanevil & Magic Manfred - U3P1 (feat. Paolo De Jesus) [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw350
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#FirstWordRecords #RapHipHop #InstrumentalEastCoast
Album: One For Detroit [SINGLE]
Track: 3 of 3
Title: U3P1
Artist: Above The Clouds, Kidkanevil & Magic Manfred (feat. Paolo De Jesus)
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW350
Formats: 7 Vinyl/Digital
Digital Release: 12th June 2026
Physical Release: 12th June 2026
About This Release:
First Word Records proudly present ‘One 4 Detroit’; the third single from Above The Clouds (aka kidkanevil & Magic Manfred), complete with a remix by 14KT.
This 7 vinyl release follows on from last Summers MF DOOM cover Arrow Root, which received strong support from the likes of Japans DJ Koco and Philadelphias DJ Jazzy Jeff, and their recent cover of ‘Change’ which was originally by Shadez of Brooklyn, most notably appearing on DJ Premiers 1997 mix album New York Reality Check 101.
One of the original First Word roster, UK Producer/DJ and all-round laptop music geek kidkanevil has developed a distinctive and progressive sound over the years, gleefully exploring the beats and bleeps of the electronic music universe to international recognition. Leeds born, sound system bred and raised on a (un)healthy diet of video games and anime, his solo work inhabits the curious space between bass frequencies and otaku culture. But as a devoted teenage backpack rap nerd, somewhere in the back of kids mind was a lingering desire to reconnect with his first love, hip hop.
Not long after moving to Berlin he joined a studio space in graffiti plastered Kreuzberg, where he met multi instrumentalist wizard Magic Manfred; a disciple of all things boogie, disco, funk and soul. Born and raised in Berlin, and currently a touring musician for many an act, Manfreds musical map joins the dots from piano lessons at four, to starting a band with his teenage friends, leading him to his true calling - the bass - via the club vibrations of his hometown, which introduced him to the world of DJing and production, and a stint studying in the explosive London jazz scene to finalise his Jedi training.
Bonding over their mutual love of 90s hip hop, a friendship and musical kinship developed, coupled with a desire to honour past eras but push things forward, Above The Clouds was born; named after their joint favourite Primo beat, with a touch of irony regarding their basement based studio of a windowless variety.
kidkanevil explains that “after we made a bunch of piano joints it felt like time for a switch up, I had these raw drums looped and Manfred started playing this simple synth line on the Prophet - it kind of happened in an instant. This one was really a case of capture a moment and let it be. It had this cold, industrial bounce to it that really felt ‘Detroit’ somehow, so it became something of a tribute to that sound. Obviously there’s a rich musical history there that’s beyond anything we could encapsulate, but I hope the respect comes across. From Berlin to the D with love!
We felt pretty strongly that if we’re gonna nod to Detroit, we needed a remix from someone who reps there directly. I’ve been a fan of 14KT since the early 2000s beat scene, and as he’d previously released music on First Word, it made perfect sense to approach him. We asked and did he oblige!! I’m very comfortable saying we got schooled! He really blessed us with an amazing remix that brought a life and soul to what was originally a pretty stark beat, we’re super honoured to have this as our first ever remix.
‘U3P1’ (named after a synth preset so we didn’t forget!) is on the flip - this also came about pretty fast. I was thinking Ummah-era Tribe with the drums, and Manfred once again put down this super nice riff and it grew from there. It kinda felt like it needed some trumpet and its always nice to highlight some of the amazing musicianship lurking beyond the club systems here in Berlin, so we called up Berlin based trumpeter and composer Paolo de Jesus, who blessed us with a beautiful performance and arrangement. And that was that; we hope you enjoy!”
‘One 4 Detroit / U3P1’ is released on limited 7 vinyl & digital platforms, June 12th 2026.")
![Ruby Wood - Things Fall Apart [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wYnA0R6uTnc/mqdefault.jpg "Ruby Wood - Things Fall Apart [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw366
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#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #NeoSoul
Album: No Rain, No Flowers [EP]
Track: 7 of 8
Title: Things Fall Apart
Artist: Ruby Wood
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW366
Formats: 12 Vinyl/Digital
Digital Release: 24th July 2026
Physical Release: 24th July 2026
About This Release:
First Word Records proudly bring you the sophomore EP from Ruby Wood - ‘No Rain, No Flowers’.
Ruby is a singer / songwriter hailing from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire in the UK. Her soulful yet distinctive voice has enabled her to front numerous projects over the years; perhaps best known as lead vocalist of the critically acclaimed Submotion Orchestra, since 2009.
Her first solo EP ‘Sincerely’ dropped back in 2023, and received love from the likes of Jamie Cullum, Craig Charles, Jyoty, Huey Morgan, Wordplay & saw Ruby named Mi-Soul Radios One to Watch.
The follow-up EP ‘No Rain, No Flowers’ is a personal tale of growth through adversity. Reflecting on long-term love, fleeting intimacy, grief, and the relationships that shape us. Rather than offering answers, the 8-track EP sits with life as it is. Imperfect, cyclical and shared. The title speaks to the belief that difficult experiences are not separate from growth, but essential to it.
Musically, the project encompasses contemporary flavours within the realms of r&b, soul and hip hop. It features an impressive collective of vocal collaboraters; Illa J, Devin Tracy, Abnormal Sleepz & PRIDO. Each bring their own distinct perspective, whilst complimenting the EP’s introspective tone; favouring warmth, restraint & lyrical authenticity. All are backed by a smooth sonic backdrop of beautifully rich instrumentation, produced primarily by Rob Mitchell of Abstract Orchestra.
Ruby has performed live shows with Nightmares on Wax & Abstract Orchestra as well as with r&b legend Bryson Tiller at his sell-out UK gigs, including Wembley Arena & Manchester Apollo. This is additionally to touring with Bonobo & Nubiyan Twist, and collaborating with the likes of Krept & Konan, Alfa Mist, GLXY and Roska, to name a few.
The diversity of her career, ranging from the intimate to the large-scale performances, gives Ruby a unique balance of vulnerability and musical depth, prioritising authenticity over spectacle. As a solo artist, her work is rooted in honest lived experiences, leading to a focus on songs that resonate long after first listen.
This EP offers a reflection of where Ruby is at now, informed by where she’s been before. It’s a project that embraces imperfection, recognising that those experiences that challenge us the most, shape us the deepest.
‘No Rain, No Flowers’ is released on vinyl & all digital platforms Friday July 24th.")
