![Victoria Port - Barefoot In The Garden [Audio] @Firstwordrecords](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Lf3jpv1_Obk/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw347
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #Soul
Album: Barefoot In The Garden [SINGLE]
Track: 1 of 1
Title: Barefoot In The Garden
Artist: Victoria Port
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW347
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 18th September 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are proud to present 'Barefoot In The Garden'; the first single taken from the sophomore solo EP by Victoria Port.
Forming part of a forthcoming 5-track set merging classic soul with contemporary sounds. this was put together from sessions recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London, and Victoria's home studio Candle Shop. This project exemplifies Victoria's talents as a singer-songwriter, developing upon the building blocks of her debut EP 'Did it Again' and Victoria's work as one half of electronic-soul duo, Anushka (BBE / Tru Thoughts / Brownswood).
'Barefoot in the Garden' is a smooth slice of mid-tempo alternative soul music, complete with an infectious hook, dreamy synths and strutting guitar licks. Victoria is accompanied on this track by frequent collaborators Hemai and JNR Williams, whilst the EP also includes contributions from highly-acclaimed drummer Moses Boyd, and vocalists such as Lea Lea.
The sonic tapestry stitched together on this EP epitomises the quality of British soul music of modern times; a vintage symphonic feel approach with modern-day production techniques, encompassing the Ronson-era of the late great Amy Winehouse, to the pack leaders of nowadays such as SAULT and Jungle. It's a logical progression considering Victoria's lifelong influences of US luminaries like Minnie Riperton, Gladys Knight, Nina Simone and Dionne Warwick.
Her fanbase includes Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music / Worldwide FM) who has tipped her as "an exciting emerging new artist whose sound fits alongside current successful acts like Cleo Sol, Lynda Dawn and Yazmin Lacey."
Victoria's previous EP had support from a wide range of tastemakers, including Cerys Matthews, Huey Morgan, Somewhere Soul, Mo Ayoub (Selector Radio), Ronnie Herel (Mi-Soul Radio's "One to Watch"), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM) and across platforms like Rinse FM, NTS, Soho Radio and Global Soul, whilst her work with Anushka also received airplay from Annie Mac, Jamz Supernova, Huw Stephens and BBC Radio 1.
Victoria says "I remember writing this song last summer. I sat in the conservatory with Jnr, Lou (Hemai), and an acoustic guitar. The birds sang, and my little boy laughed and played outside. It's a reminder of the real things of value in our lives – not material possessions or accolades, but the simple things that humble us and connect us to our common humanity. Sometimes, I stop and slow down, feeling so much joy for the beautiful people and moments that enrich my life, soul, and heart."
Already a seasoned live perfomer, additionally to various live appearances solo past & forthcoming including We Out Here, Jazz Cafe and Koko, Victoria Port is set to be one of the leading lights in the world of British soul music.
'Barefoot In The Garden' is released on digital platforms September 18th, with the EP of the same name to follow in November on vinyl & digital.
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw347
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #Soul
Album: Barefoot In The Garden [SINGLE]
Track: 1 of 1
Title: Barefoot In The Garden
Artist: Victoria Port
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW347
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 18th September 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are proud to present 'Barefoot In The Garden'; the first single taken from the sophomore solo EP by Victoria Port.
Forming part of a forthcoming 5-track set merging classic soul with contemporary sounds. this was put together from sessions recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London, and Victoria's home studio Candle Shop. This project exemplifies Victoria's talents as a singer-songwriter, developing upon the building blocks of her debut EP 'Did it Again' and Victoria's work as one half of electronic-soul duo, Anushka (BBE / Tru Thoughts / Brownswood).
'Barefoot in the Garden' is a smooth slice of mid-tempo alternative soul music, complete with an infectious hook, dreamy synths and strutting guitar licks. Victoria is accompanied on this track by frequent collaborators Hemai and JNR Williams, whilst the EP also includes contributions from highly-acclaimed drummer Moses Boyd, and vocalists such as Lea Lea.
The sonic tapestry stitched together on this EP epitomises the quality of British soul music of modern times; a vintage symphonic feel approach with modern-day production techniques, encompassing the Ronson-era of the late great Amy Winehouse, to the pack leaders of nowadays such as SAULT and Jungle. It's a logical progression considering Victoria's lifelong influences of US luminaries like Minnie Riperton, Gladys Knight, Nina Simone and Dionne Warwick.
Her fanbase includes Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music / Worldwide FM) who has tipped her as "an exciting emerging new artist whose sound fits alongside current successful acts like Cleo Sol, Lynda Dawn and Yazmin Lacey."
Victoria's previous EP had support from a wide range of tastemakers, including Cerys Matthews, Huey Morgan, Somewhere Soul, Mo Ayoub (Selector Radio), Ronnie Herel (Mi-Soul Radio's "One to Watch"), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM) and across platforms like Rinse FM, NTS, Soho Radio and Global Soul, whilst her work with Anushka also received airplay from Annie Mac, Jamz Supernova, Huw Stephens and BBC Radio 1.
Victoria says "I remember writing this song last summer. I sat in the conservatory with Jnr, Lou (Hemai), and an acoustic guitar. The birds sang, and my little boy laughed and played outside. It's a reminder of the real things of value in our lives – not material possessions or accolades, but the simple things that humble us and connect us to our common humanity. Sometimes, I stop and slow down, feeling so much joy for the beautiful people and moments that enrich my life, soul, and heart."
Already a seasoned live perfomer, additionally to various live appearances solo past & forthcoming including We Out Here, Jazz Cafe and Koko, Victoria Port is set to be one of the leading lights in the world of British soul music.
'Barefoot In The Garden' is released on digital platforms September 18th, with the EP of the same name to follow in November on vinyl & digital.
![Victoria Port - Barefoot In The Garden [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Lf3jpv1_Obk/mqdefault.jpg "Victoria Port - Barefoot In The Garden [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw347
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #Soul
Album: Barefoot In The Garden [SINGLE]
Track: 1 of 1
Title: Barefoot In The Garden
Artist: Victoria Port
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW347
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 18th September 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are proud to present Barefoot In The Garden; the first single taken from the sophomore solo EP by Victoria Port.
Forming part of a forthcoming 5-track set merging classic soul with contemporary sounds. this was put together from sessions recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London, and Victorias home studio Candle Shop. This project exemplifies Victorias talents as a singer-songwriter, developing upon the building blocks of her debut EP Did it Again and Victorias work as one half of electronic-soul duo, Anushka (BBE / Tru Thoughts / Brownswood).
Barefoot in the Garden is a smooth slice of mid-tempo alternative soul music, complete with an infectious hook, dreamy synths and strutting guitar licks. Victoria is accompanied on this track by frequent collaborators Hemai and JNR Williams, whilst the EP also includes contributions from highly-acclaimed drummer Moses Boyd, and vocalists such as Lea Lea.
The sonic tapestry stitched together on this EP epitomises the quality of British soul music of modern times; a vintage symphonic feel approach with modern-day production techniques, encompassing the Ronson-era of the late great Amy Winehouse, to the pack leaders of nowadays such as SAULT and Jungle. Its a logical progression considering Victorias lifelong influences of US luminaries like Minnie Riperton, Gladys Knight, Nina Simone and Dionne Warwick.
Her fanbase includes Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music / Worldwide FM) who has tipped her as an exciting emerging new artist whose sound fits alongside current successful acts like Cleo Sol, Lynda Dawn and Yazmin Lacey.
Victorias previous EP had support from a wide range of tastemakers, including Cerys Matthews, Huey Morgan, Somewhere Soul, Mo Ayoub (Selector Radio), Ronnie Herel (Mi-Soul Radios One to Watch), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM) and across platforms like Rinse FM, NTS, Soho Radio and Global Soul, whilst her work with Anushka also received airplay from Annie Mac, Jamz Supernova, Huw Stephens and BBC Radio 1.
Victoria says I remember writing this song last summer. I sat in the conservatory with Jnr, Lou (Hemai), and an acoustic guitar. The birds sang, and my little boy laughed and played outside. Its a reminder of the real things of value in our lives – not material possessions or accolades, but the simple things that humble us and connect us to our common humanity. Sometimes, I stop and slow down, feeling so much joy for the beautiful people and moments that enrich my life, soul, and heart.
Already a seasoned live perfomer, additionally to various live appearances solo past & forthcoming including We Out Here, Jazz Cafe and Koko, Victoria Port is set to be one of the leading lights in the world of British soul music.
Barefoot In The Garden is released on digital platforms September 18th, with the EP of the same name to follow in November on vinyl & digital.")
![Black Sumo - Gray Bikes Grey Skies [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/M0xMXB0pWhU/mqdefault.jpg "Black Sumo - Gray Bikes Grey Skies [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw368
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #RapHipHop #InstrumentalEastCoast
Album: Clarity [ALBUM]
Track: 3 of 12
Title: Gray Bikes Grey Skies
Artist: Black Sumo
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW368
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 8th May 2026
About This Release:
First Word Records is proud to bring you Clarity, a new 12-track beat-tape from Black Sumo.
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.
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. 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.
Sonically Clarity embodies a conglomerate of those aural textures across its 12 tracks; from filtered ethereal ambience, to headnod hip hop. It includes the recent singles Silent Stones and Rehearsal.
2020 saw the first fruits of this project enter the world, on the self-released beat tape The Defeatist, or as Kurtis put it at the time the journey of becoming whole again.
He further explains what I did find as far as Clarity during the making of these tracks is how much of an immigrant I really am. I think it really became clear during the BLM marches in Berlin….
A number of tracks were created during the bleak Berlin Winter all the way into Spring; the clarity here being what appears in Spring that Winter was hiding.
The Black Sumo project was effectively put to bed at this point, only to have tracks revisited very recently, five years on, as a new form of Clarity for the feeling of these compositions came to light. A better understanding of the period, and an acceptance & embrace of the art that was created.
And so, it was felt the time was now right to release this material, now revised & revisited with a clearer state of mind. With Clarity…
Clarity is available May 8th on all digital platforms, with a limited cassette version available exclusively on Bandcamp.")
![Black Sumo - Silent Stones [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MO3c426q2i0/mqdefault.jpg "Black Sumo - Silent Stones [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw369
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #RapHipHop #InstrumentalEastCoast
Album: Silent Stones [SINGLE]
Track: 1 of 2
Title: Silent Stones
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.")
![Kaidi Tatham - Ku Deh [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Mq-zEDLu0js/mqdefault.jpg "Kaidi Tatham - Ku Deh [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw317
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #ElectronicaDance #BrokenBeat
Album: Miles Away [ALBUM]
Track: 10 of 10
Title: Ku Deh
Artist: Kaidi Tatham
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW317
Formats: Vinyl LP/Digital
Digital Release: 28th March 2025
Physical Release: 28th March 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are very proud to bring you a brand new album from the legendary Kaidi Tatham.
Miles Away is the sixth full-length solo project for the award-winning London-based independent label.
Comprised of 10 new tracks, performed entirely by the multi-instrumentalist himself once again, this is an array of forward-thinking eclectic electronic jazz. Rhodes, pianos, synths, strings, horns and flutes weave in & out atop of vibrant percussion and mind-bending drum patterns, forming a sound that is uniquely King Kaidi.
We begin with the delicate groove of Misty Garden, before the infectious synth-boogie of Sweet Cherry Punch. The almost-Quincy / EWF vibes of lead single So Happy follow, ahead of the mid-tempo stomp of Kanji. Silkie Bantam keeps the energy nice while picking up the BPM a touch, as we reach the half-time title track Miles Away, which also features Kaidi on vocals. Hipsteppin does what it says on the tin; another slice of infectious bruk-tinged jazz-boogie. Then its the return of frequent collaborator, the super-dope MC Uhmeer (aka Jazzy Jeffs son!) on the smooth soulful hip hop bounce of Wave. Hydration brings the funk; clavi keys and some weighty live bass accompany some truly knockin drums that switch in & out. The set closes with a real treat for the reggae steppers; Ku Deh is a short sweet touch of uplifting rock steady.
For those that dont know, Belfast-based Kaidi Tatham has been an innovative powerhouse in the world of British black music for decades. From his early days as one of the pioneers of the broken beat movement, to his recent prominence as a key-player for DJ Jazzy Jeffs PLAYlist project, he has inspired an array of artists and tastemakers across the globe, from Madlib to Gilles Peterson.
The list of artists hes worked and collaborated with reads like a fever dream - Amy Winehouse, Mulatu Astatke, Soul II Soul, Leroy Burgess, Nubya Garcia, Slum Village, Andrew Ashong, Marcos Valle and beyond. Additionally to a number of releases with 2000 Blacks Dego and The Herbaliser, hes also dropped records for Theo Parrishs Sound Signature and Alex Nuts Eglo Records, taking in a number of aliases along the way, including Agent K, Shokazulu, Blakai, Da One Away and Likwid Biskit - the latter two projects alongside IG Culture (New Sector Movements / LCSM). Hes also worked with fellow First Word label-mates like Children of Zeus, Allysha Joy, Darkhouse Family and Eric Lau.
As ever, this album is another truly diverse set from the Grammy-winning Kaidi Kyat, exuding quality and good vibes throughout, crossing genres and borders with intergalactic energy, taking us Miles Away.
Miles Away will be released 28th March 2025 on vinyl & digital.")
![Georgie Sweet - Equal Measure [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/N0U6OkUOkIA/mqdefault.jpg "Georgie Sweet - Equal Measure [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw328
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #Soul
Album: I Swear To You [ALBUM]
Track: 8 of 12
Title: Equal Measure
Artist: Georgie Sweet
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW328
Formats: Vinyl LP/Digital
Digital Release: 20th June 2025
Physical Release: 27th June 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are incredibly proud to bring you I Swear To You; the stunning sophomore album from Georgie Sweet.
Georgie is a singer / songwriter currently based in Brighton, with a uniquely smooth, soulful vocal tone.
Whilst working on her debut record (Misunderstood), Georgie began a songwriting partnership with multi-instrumentalist Marc Rapson, who is on the boards throughout this project. The duo discovered a natural musical connection instantly, and began working on an abundance of beautiful new material shortly after the release of the first album; writing and creating at Rapsons home in Hertfordshire at various sessions from 2021 onwards, culminating in this new 12-track album, I Swear To You.
Despite being one of the UKs best kept secrets, Georgies already been pricking the ears of some highly-respected selectors. The first single from this record (Smaller / All That We Were) received love from tastemakers such as BBC 6 Musics Gilles Peterson (this one melts), Jazz FMs Tony Minvielle (supremely talented) and Clash Magazine (exudes soulful grace), whilst previous material found itself in the crates of legendary luminaries like DJ Jazzy Jeff & DJ Spinna amongst others.
At the end of 2024, Georgie signed to Worldwide Award-winning independent London-based label, First Word Records; although she previously featured before on the label, via the title track of the highly-acclaimed 2021 sophomore album by Children of Zeus, Balance, along with Akemi Fox. Prior to this her debut album Misunderstood dropped back in 2020 on Futuristica Music; an independent imprint run by Deborah Jordan & Simon S, on which Georgie also collaborated with acclaimed producers like K15 and Mecca:83.
An all-round creative soul, away from creating music, Georgie also works as an illustrator and animator. However, her lifelong love of music is unquestionable. Shes been a vocalist from a young age, initially working with her musical parents (a producer and professional singer respectively).
With a hugely diverse set of inspirations ranging from Stevie Wonder to Michael McDonald, Hiatus Kaiyote to Chappell Roan, Mac Miller to Sampha, and George Duke to EW&F, Georgies respect, love and admiration for a wide range of music is clear; from jazz to soul to pop to hip hop.
Her own sound sits within the realm of glo-fi alternative r&b. From powerful piano-led ballads, to head-nod boom bap backdrops, this album exemplifies Georgies eclectic influences and unique talents as a writer and a vocalist, which are growing exponentially. A tapestry of sound that developed whilst Sweet and Rapson moved from the beat-driven vibes of Georgies earlier work, to finding themselves gravitating more and more to the simplicity of the piano and the voice.
Its this shift in styles that encapsulates the sonic and spiritual feel of the entire project, born out of a warm, creative environment, and full to the brim with heart and soul. I Swear To You is a deeply personal reflection on youth, grief and self-acceptance. An homage to childhood, and the transition into adulthood, exploring the range of experiences and emotions that come with that.
The album cover mirrors the essence of the record; a photo of a hopeful, younger version of Georgie, filled with optimism and joy. Despite the emotional highs and lows expressed throughout the songs, the overarching message remains one of hope; encouraging listeners to keep looking toward the future, to never give up, and to hold onto that youthful sense of possibility.
From the ethereal acapella opening of The Ones We Loved, through to the irresistible jazz-hop bounce of tracks like As I Am, Smaller and In My Stride, to the midtempo soulful bop of Equal Measure and previously-released Energy, to epic ballads like Bedsheets and first single All That We Were, to the more melancholy tones of Patricia and Maybe in a Different Life, to the almost-gospel flavoured closing title track, this is a truly accomplished and timeless piece of work from edge to edge.
I Swear To You is released on vinyl and digital worldwide, Friday June 20th 2025.")
![Amanda Whiting - Happiness Theme [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/N611XZtW3_k/mqdefault.jpg "Amanda Whiting - Happiness Theme [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw322
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #Jazz #SmoothJazz
Album: A Christmas Cwtch [ALBUM]
Track: 6 of 14
Title: Happiness Theme
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 & Black Sumo - Silent Stones [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NZCmxjFQc5k/mqdefault.jpg "Black Sumo & Black Sumo - Silent Stones [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw368
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #RapHipHop #InstrumentalEastCoast
Album: Clarity [ALBUM]
Track: 4 of 12
Title: Silent Stones
Artist: Black Sumo & Black Sumo
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW368
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 8th May 2026
About This Release:
First Word Records is proud to bring you Clarity, a new 12-track beat-tape from Black Sumo.
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.
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. 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.
Sonically Clarity embodies a conglomerate of those aural textures across its 12 tracks; from filtered ethereal ambience, to headnod hip hop. It includes the recent singles Silent Stones and Rehearsal.
2020 saw the first fruits of this project enter the world, on the self-released beat tape The Defeatist, or as Kurtis put it at the time the journey of becoming whole again.
He further explains what I did find as far as Clarity during the making of these tracks is how much of an immigrant I really am. I think it really became clear during the BLM marches in Berlin….
A number of tracks were created during the bleak Berlin Winter all the way into Spring; the clarity here being what appears in Spring that Winter was hiding.
The Black Sumo project was effectively put to bed at this point, only to have tracks revisited very recently, five years on, as a new form of Clarity for the feeling of these compositions came to light. A better understanding of the period, and an acceptance & embrace of the art that was created.
And so, it was felt the time was now right to release this material, now revised & revisited with a clearer state of mind. With Clarity…
Clarity is available May 8th on all digital platforms, with a limited cassette version available exclusively on Bandcamp.")
![Georgie Sweet - Become New [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NsD-NpayUwo/mqdefault.jpg "Georgie Sweet - Become New [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw328
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #Soul
Album: I Swear To You [ALBUM]
Track: 2 of 12
Title: Become New
Artist: Georgie Sweet
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW328
Formats: Vinyl LP/Digital
Digital Release: 20th June 2025
Physical Release: 27th June 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are incredibly proud to bring you I Swear To You; the stunning sophomore album from Georgie Sweet.
Georgie is a singer / songwriter currently based in Brighton, with a uniquely smooth, soulful vocal tone.
Whilst working on her debut record (Misunderstood), Georgie began a songwriting partnership with multi-instrumentalist Marc Rapson, who is on the boards throughout this project. The duo discovered a natural musical connection instantly, and began working on an abundance of beautiful new material shortly after the release of the first album; writing and creating at Rapsons home in Hertfordshire at various sessions from 2021 onwards, culminating in this new 12-track album, I Swear To You.
Despite being one of the UKs best kept secrets, Georgies already been pricking the ears of some highly-respected selectors. The first single from this record (Smaller / All That We Were) received love from tastemakers such as BBC 6 Musics Gilles Peterson (this one melts), Jazz FMs Tony Minvielle (supremely talented) and Clash Magazine (exudes soulful grace), whilst previous material found itself in the crates of legendary luminaries like DJ Jazzy Jeff & DJ Spinna amongst others.
At the end of 2024, Georgie signed to Worldwide Award-winning independent London-based label, First Word Records; although she previously featured before on the label, via the title track of the highly-acclaimed 2021 sophomore album by Children of Zeus, Balance, along with Akemi Fox. Prior to this her debut album Misunderstood dropped back in 2020 on Futuristica Music; an independent imprint run by Deborah Jordan & Simon S, on which Georgie also collaborated with acclaimed producers like K15 and Mecca:83.
An all-round creative soul, away from creating music, Georgie also works as an illustrator and animator. However, her lifelong love of music is unquestionable. Shes been a vocalist from a young age, initially working with her musical parents (a producer and professional singer respectively).
With a hugely diverse set of inspirations ranging from Stevie Wonder to Michael McDonald, Hiatus Kaiyote to Chappell Roan, Mac Miller to Sampha, and George Duke to EW&F, Georgies respect, love and admiration for a wide range of music is clear; from jazz to soul to pop to hip hop.
Her own sound sits within the realm of glo-fi alternative r&b. From powerful piano-led ballads, to head-nod boom bap backdrops, this album exemplifies Georgies eclectic influences and unique talents as a writer and a vocalist, which are growing exponentially. A tapestry of sound that developed whilst Sweet and Rapson moved from the beat-driven vibes of Georgies earlier work, to finding themselves gravitating more and more to the simplicity of the piano and the voice.
Its this shift in styles that encapsulates the sonic and spiritual feel of the entire project, born out of a warm, creative environment, and full to the brim with heart and soul. I Swear To You is a deeply personal reflection on youth, grief and self-acceptance. An homage to childhood, and the transition into adulthood, exploring the range of experiences and emotions that come with that.
The album cover mirrors the essence of the record; a photo of a hopeful, younger version of Georgie, filled with optimism and joy. Despite the emotional highs and lows expressed throughout the songs, the overarching message remains one of hope; encouraging listeners to keep looking toward the future, to never give up, and to hold onto that youthful sense of possibility.
From the ethereal acapella opening of The Ones We Loved, through to the irresistible jazz-hop bounce of tracks like As I Am, Smaller and In My Stride, to the midtempo soulful bop of Equal Measure and previously-released Energy, to epic ballads like Bedsheets and first single All That We Were, to the more melancholy tones of Patricia and Maybe in a Different Life, to the almost-gospel flavoured closing title track, this is a truly accomplished and timeless piece of work from edge to edge.
I Swear To You is released on vinyl and digital worldwide, Friday June 20th 2025.")
![Ruby Wood - On My Mind [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ns_mgUfLwyo/mqdefault.jpg "Ruby Wood - On My Mind [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw366
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #NeoSoul
Album: No Rain, No Flowers [EP]
Track: 5 of 8
Title: On My Mind
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.")
![Georgie Sweet & Georgie Sweet - Energy [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OChNV1prNVU/mqdefault.jpg "Georgie Sweet & Georgie Sweet - Energy [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw363
Subscribe: https://sb.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
More music playlists: https://pl.kud.li/UC_iUEtWIfatGspcK52G3Gug
#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #ContemporaryRampB
Album: Energy (Children of Zeus Remix) [SINGLE]
Track: 2 of 2
Title: Energy
Artist: Georgie Sweet & Georgie Sweet
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.")
