Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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#FirstWordRecords #ElectronicaDance #BeatsampBreaks
Album: S-Bend [SINGLE]
Track: 1 of 1
Title: S-Bend
Artist: Werkha
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW331
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 9th April 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are proud to bring you brand new music from Werkha!
'S-Bend' is an uptempo instrumental cut comprised of Werkha's uniquely funky breaks, blending organic and electronic sounds. A weighty bassline, rising synths and spiky percussion are accompanied by a sumptuous string arrangement, courtesy of frequent collaborator Simmy Singh.
Werkha (real name Tom Leah) is a multi-instrumentalist born in Rusholme, Manchester. Additionally to his own material, he's worked on releases with Quantic, A Certain Ratio, Marcos Valle, Eska, Chunky, Andrew Ashong and extensively with Keisha Thompson and Bryony Jarman-Pinto, to cite a few.
He's played shows across the UK & Europe, touring with the likes of Bonobo, Chet Faker, Rebecca Vasmant and Mr Scruff, and gigs with Crazy P, GoGo Penguin, Todd Terje, Lefto and MCDE, as well as performing at legendary venues like The Roundhouse, The Jazz Café and Manchester Cathedral, and various festivals including Glastonbury, We Out Here, A Love Supreme and Latitude.
Previous support has come from tastemakers such as Gilles Peterson, Lauren Laverne, Zakia, Jamz Supernova, Mo Ayoub, Afrodeutsche, Scratcha DVA, Tom Ravenscoft, DJ Paulette and Julie Adenuga.
Additionally to music-making, Werkha has been working with a mental health arts charity in Stockport, as well as collaborating with Reform Radio to curate opportunites for upcoming Mancunian artists. As Werkha says, "a commercial music entity doesn't exist without a grassroots industry to propagate it".
He's also been creating and building another side-project, Saturama - a live audio-visual experience aimed at reconnecting to our rainforests in the UK, which has received support from organisations like Earth Percent, Plantlife, Manchester Museum, RSPB Haweswater and Kendal Mountain Festival.
Currently on a hiatus travelling South America, Werkha has an abundance of new material set to be unleashed into the ether; this single being the first taste of a deeply personal project exploring his own vulnerabilites, and his story of working though those.
Werkha explains "'S-Bend' is a direct reference to the bend of my spine, as a result of my scoliosis. It's an introduction to this irregularity of mine, which can cause immobilising spasms and pains in my back. It's also a nod to the places where I've made the first steps in the road to recovery. Particularly walking up the Pennine fells above S-Bends in the rivers and streams below.
It was a foot on the path to rehabilitation, on a journey to acceptance of this abnormality. The music was pieced together to give the feeling of silver linings. The bassline was one of the first things I laid down, reflecting the river moving along the valley. The synths represent the upward movement of recovery, bringing an element of hope. While my own vocal samples are in there to illustrate how I felt in those moments of shooting pain.
This piece is essentially a celebration of movement, quite literally."
Following on from previous releases on First Word ('The Rigour' EP from 2020, and the 'All Werk Is Play' LP from 2022), this track is taken from a new full-length project to be released later in 2025. More info over the coming months on that.
Werkha is a thoughtful, conscientious, talented artist, whose approach to creating is innovative, unique, ever-evolving and deeply groovy. We're very excited to present this new material to you over the coming months.
'S-Bend' is available on all digital platforms, April 9th 2025.
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw331
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Official stream from First Word Records. Distributed by Kudos Records.
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#FirstWordRecords #ElectronicaDance #BeatsampBreaks
Album: S-Bend [SINGLE]
Track: 1 of 1
Title: S-Bend
Artist: Werkha
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW331
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 9th April 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are proud to bring you brand new music from Werkha!
'S-Bend' is an uptempo instrumental cut comprised of Werkha's uniquely funky breaks, blending organic and electronic sounds. A weighty bassline, rising synths and spiky percussion are accompanied by a sumptuous string arrangement, courtesy of frequent collaborator Simmy Singh.
Werkha (real name Tom Leah) is a multi-instrumentalist born in Rusholme, Manchester. Additionally to his own material, he's worked on releases with Quantic, A Certain Ratio, Marcos Valle, Eska, Chunky, Andrew Ashong and extensively with Keisha Thompson and Bryony Jarman-Pinto, to cite a few.
He's played shows across the UK & Europe, touring with the likes of Bonobo, Chet Faker, Rebecca Vasmant and Mr Scruff, and gigs with Crazy P, GoGo Penguin, Todd Terje, Lefto and MCDE, as well as performing at legendary venues like The Roundhouse, The Jazz Café and Manchester Cathedral, and various festivals including Glastonbury, We Out Here, A Love Supreme and Latitude.
Previous support has come from tastemakers such as Gilles Peterson, Lauren Laverne, Zakia, Jamz Supernova, Mo Ayoub, Afrodeutsche, Scratcha DVA, Tom Ravenscoft, DJ Paulette and Julie Adenuga.
Additionally to music-making, Werkha has been working with a mental health arts charity in Stockport, as well as collaborating with Reform Radio to curate opportunites for upcoming Mancunian artists. As Werkha says, "a commercial music entity doesn't exist without a grassroots industry to propagate it".
He's also been creating and building another side-project, Saturama - a live audio-visual experience aimed at reconnecting to our rainforests in the UK, which has received support from organisations like Earth Percent, Plantlife, Manchester Museum, RSPB Haweswater and Kendal Mountain Festival.
Currently on a hiatus travelling South America, Werkha has an abundance of new material set to be unleashed into the ether; this single being the first taste of a deeply personal project exploring his own vulnerabilites, and his story of working though those.
Werkha explains "'S-Bend' is a direct reference to the bend of my spine, as a result of my scoliosis. It's an introduction to this irregularity of mine, which can cause immobilising spasms and pains in my back. It's also a nod to the places where I've made the first steps in the road to recovery. Particularly walking up the Pennine fells above S-Bends in the rivers and streams below.
It was a foot on the path to rehabilitation, on a journey to acceptance of this abnormality. The music was pieced together to give the feeling of silver linings. The bassline was one of the first things I laid down, reflecting the river moving along the valley. The synths represent the upward movement of recovery, bringing an element of hope. While my own vocal samples are in there to illustrate how I felt in those moments of shooting pain.
This piece is essentially a celebration of movement, quite literally."
Following on from previous releases on First Word ('The Rigour' EP from 2020, and the 'All Werk Is Play' LP from 2022), this track is taken from a new full-length project to be released later in 2025. More info over the coming months on that.
Werkha is a thoughtful, conscientious, talented artist, whose approach to creating is innovative, unique, ever-evolving and deeply groovy. We're very excited to present this new material to you over the coming months.
'S-Bend' is available on all digital platforms, April 9th 2025.
![Victoria Port - I Wont Wait [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw354
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#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #Soul
Album: I Wont Wait [SINGLE]
Track: 1 of 2
Title: I Wont Wait
Artist: Victoria Port
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW354
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 16th October 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are proud to present I Wont Wait; the second single taken from the sophomore solo EP by Victoria Port.
Forming part of a forthcoming 5-track set merging retro 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).
I Wont Wait comes from the Abbey Road sessions and is a future soul classic, leaning into a timeless sound palette with rich instrumentation and gloriously epic harmonies. Victoria is accompanied on this track by frequent collaborators Hemai, JNR Williams and Ross Lanning, whilst the band includes 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 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, and the contemporary output of labels like Daptone and Big Crown.
Her fanbase includes Gilles Peterson who recently featured her live on air on his Saturday afternoon BBC 6 Music show, and 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 The song is about knowing what you want from life and from love. If it doesnt feel like 2000s R&B, I dont want it!
Its about not being someones option, but a priority and not waiting for the one to feel complete or content.
Sonically, its heavily influenced by the music I heard growing up, Motown and soul from the 60s, but with future soul energy, especially in the outro.
Already a seasoned live performer with various live solo appearances including We Out Here, Jazz Cafe and Koko, she has a forthcoming headline show as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, taking place at The Lower Third on November 23rd.
Victoria Port is all set to become one of the leading lights in the world of British soul music.
I Wont Wait is released on digital platforms October 16th, with the EP Barefoot In The Garden due to follow in early November on vinyl & digital. Victoria Port - I Wont Wait [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fPtb1g3-Bv8/mqdefault.jpg)
![Royce Wood Junior - Beretta (feat. Lucey Way) [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #Soul
Album: Penny Ballads [EP]
Track: 3 of 5
Title: Beretta
Artist: Royce Wood Junior (feat. Lucey Way)
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW344DD
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 21st November 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are proud to bring you Penny Ballads, a 5-track EP from Royce Wood Junior.
Royce Wood Junior is a Grammy & Mercury Award-nominated musician, songwriter and record producer from London, currently based in Brighton. As a multi-instrumentalist, hes collaborated with a litany of brilliant artists over the years, such as Jamie Woon, Nao, Disclosure, Jessie Ware, Olivia Dean, Joy Crookes, Jamie Lidell and Jordan Rakei, additionally to touring with the likes of the legendary Thomas Dolby. Hes released two acclaimed solo albums to date (The Ashen Tang in 2015, and No Two Blue Ticks in 2021).
Penny Ballads demonstrates RWJs varied talents, with a collection of alternative soul compositions, each one as unique as the next. It includes the first two singles, the Poplife-Prince era flavoured Go Get Your Money, and the double-time future funk adrenaline shot, Clean Up, along with three previously-unreleased tracks. Beretta is low-slung soul funk, beginning with quirky squelchy synths, before the soulful lead vocal of feature artist Lucey Way breezes in to melt everyones hearts. Things sweeps in next, an infectiously soulful midtempo heavy soul bop, with an instant earwork of a hook, like a modern-day Steely Dan / Doobie Brothers, complete with a head-nodding string section to end the track. The collection concludes on a more melancholy downtempo tip with Rolling; an almost-folktronic anthem, with a key refrain that wouldnt be out of place on a 70s Stevie piece.
RWJ (aka Jim Wood) says of this project… Back in the 17 and 1800s Troubadours and minstrels would go from Tavern to Tavern selling Penny Ballads, single sheets of music and lyrics written quickly and frivolously to make a quick buck.. It strikes me that were in a similar phase in the way we value music in 2025. An old Penny Ballad was cheap and dog-eared, ink-smudged, sung aloud by firelight, Now songs live in the digital ether, dissolved in the air, a ghostly breath paid in micro cents. The new era of Penny Balladry is here, and weird.
This EP is a snapshot of my writing over a two year period. Focussed on minimal recording styles, one mic on the drums, generally first or second takes on parts and vocals, I wanted the music to feel like small moments with lyrics that talk about the weird nuances of being alive as a latter stage human on the cusp of the Ai revolution. Culturally so evolved, but physiologically still just a bunch of mammals walking about with primitive fears and needs. Just trying to reconcile it all moment to moment…
Previous support for Royces music has included Radio 1s Future Sounds, BBC 6 Musics New Music Fix, Annie Mac, Clara Amfo, Jo Whiley (BBC Radio 2), Mary Anne Hobbs, Jamz Supernova, Tom Robinson, Huw Stephens (BBC 6 Music), Zane Lowe and MistaJam. There have been sessions previously for the likes of Red Bull and press from Huck, Line of Best Fit, Clash, Aesthetica & DIY magazine.
Entirely self-written and self-produced, this EP gives a solid taste of RWJs talents. A deeply funky diverse set of music from an immensely talented individual.
Penny Ballads is due to be released on vinyl & digital, 24th October 2025.
The vinyl version also includes an exclusive additional mix of the first single Go Get Your Money. Royce Wood Junior - Beretta (feat. Lucey Way) [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fRtzZSYwlLM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Georgie Sweet - Bedsheets [Audio]
Download & Stream: https://kud.li/fw338
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#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #Soul
Album: The Ones We Loved / Bedsheets [SINGLE]
Track: 2 of 2
Title: Bedsheets
Artist: Georgie Sweet
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW338
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 15th May 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are proud to bring you the second two-track single from our latest signing, Georgie Sweet - The Ones We Loved / Bedsheets.
Georgie is a singer / songwriter currently based in Brighton, with a uniquely smooth, soulful vocal tone. One of the UKs best kept secrets, shes been a vocalist from a young age, initially working with her musical parents (a producer and professional singer respectively), she previously released an album entitled Misunderstood back in 2020 on Futuristica Music; an independent imprint run by Deborah Jordan & Simon S.
As welll as working with acclaimed producers like K15 and Mecca:83 on her debut record, it saw the start of a songwriting partnership with multi-instrumentalist Marc Rapson, who is on the boards throughout this new project. The duo began working on an abundance of beautiful new material shortly after the release of Misunderstood, with this single being another taste of whats to come.
The last single (Smaller / All That We Were) caught the ears of 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.
Georgie recently 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.
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.
An exciting new talent, her prowess as a vocalist and a songwriter is growing exponentially; this additionally to studying and working as an illustrator and animator, Georgie is an all-round creative soul.
The Ones We Loved begins with an ethereal acapella from Georgie, building to lush harmonies, before dropping into a synth-bass lead 100bpm groove.
Georgie explains This ones about staying spiritually connected to the people weve lost and grieving with hope. Its about the spiritual side of loss and how we can actually find comfort in not knowing what the afterlife holds for us, rather than being scared by it. It offers peace in the idea that separation isnt forever, even if we dont fully understand whats to come.
This release is backed with the beautiful Bedsheets; a downtempo epic, with a deeply infectious chorus hook.
For this one, Georgie says Bedsheets represents that dark before the light, mirroring the final track of the album, I Swear To You. Its the feeling of desperation and loneliness in modern life. Its the darkness, but its important because it sets the stage for the light, reflecting the tough times we all face.
The Ones We Loved / Bedsheets is out on all digital platforms on May 15th and is taken from Georgies forthcoming sophomore album I Swear To You, due for release on First Word this Summer. Georgie Sweet - Bedsheets [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fZc-0VYPB24/mqdefault.jpg)
![Amanda Whiting - Finding the Way [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #Jazz #Fusion
Album: The Liminality of Her (Deluxe Edition) [ALBUM]
Track: 1 of 14
Title: Finding the Way
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 - Finding the Way [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g4hqOCcijVc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Amanda Whiting - It Could Be [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #Jazz #Fusion
Album: Can You See Me Now? [EP]
Track: 5 of 6
Title: It Could Be
Artist: Amanda Whiting
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW334D
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 6th June 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records is very proud to bring you a brand new EP from Amanda Whiting, entitled Can You See Me Now?
Amanda Whiting is a highly-acclaimed Welsh harpist & composer. A virtuoso in her field, this classically trained musician has established herself in recent years as an essential player in the UK jazz scene.
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). BBC Radio 3 (Soweto Kinch), Selector Radio (Sian Eleri), NTS Radio (Patrick Forge), FiP (Laurent Garnier), Soho Radio (Tina Edwards) and across Jazz FM, who also nominated her for Instrumentalist of the Year.
Amanda joined the roster of Worldwide Award-winning independent London-based label First Word Records in late 2023, initially via a collaborative project with Don Leisure on Beyond The Midnight Sun, as well as a feature on his Welsh Music Prize nominated project Shaboo Strikes Back.
She followed the Liminality of Her record late last year with a divine album of seasonal favourites, from Bill Evans to Vince Guaraldi, on A Christmas Cwtch.
Amandas 2024 album The Liminality of Her featured in Spotifys Best UK Jazz of 2024 and received glowing reviews in 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.
Mojo Magazine cites Amandas compositions as cinematic, lyrical and lissom by turns.
Amanda has previously performed, toured and collaborated with a wildly eclectic set of artists, including Matthew Halsall, Rebecca Vasmant, DJ Yoda, Gizmo Varillas and Chip Wickham, whilst previously releasing three solo albums on Jazzman Records, and a remix project for the Alberts Favourites imprint.
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.
Can You See Me Now? is another triumphant opus from Whiting; laidback, deliciously jazzy and thematically inquisitive, featuring some exceptional production and accompaniment from Adam Scrimshire (Alberts Favourite). The EP begins with the crackling Old Ways intro (inspired by Naderman No.6 for Harp) leading into opening track Contented; an epic ethereal piece of tranquil spiritual jazz, complete with the gloriously powerful vocal harmonies of Faye Houston. This sets the mood perfectly for this project, as we head into a short solo for Whiting on Still which appears as it says on the tin. A moment of calm. Lead single What Is It We Need? commences with dusty upright bass from Whiting Trio member Aidan Thorne, ahead of a beautiful goosebump-enducing lead-vocal from the national treasure that is Alice Russell (Tru Thoughts); an absolute powerhouse in her own right. Intent picks up the pace a touch with some delightfully skippy jungle-esque drums from Jon Reynolds. It Could Be follows; a soulful string-laden stepper, again featuring Faye Houston, and hits like the delicate breath of a Summer breeze. We close the set with the appropriately-named Moving On, which takes us out with a slightly-warped phasing dreamlike ambience.
In Amandas words thematically, the EP is about the journey as a woman and the stages of life. Standing up and being seen. An important and profound message in the world today!
We must stand tall, dont self abase or dim your light
The past has gone. Now step up, be intent, move forward, move on
Dont be silenced. Feminine energy is our might.
Lift your veil, show your worth. We are women, we are strong.
Can you see me now?
Can you hear my dreams?
Can you feel my intentions?
Im here to be seen.
Can You See Me Now? is due for release on vinyl & digital, June 6th 2025. Amanda Whiting - It Could Be [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gAsYRhK0nz8/mqdefault.jpg)
![Werkha - Scolio [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #ElectronicaDance #BeatsampBreaks
Album: Unsung Irregular [ALBUM]
Track: 1 of 11
Title: Scolio
Artist: Werkha
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW340
Formats: Vinyl LP/Digital
Digital Release: 10th October 2025
Physical Release: 10th October 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records is very proud to present the new album from Werkha, Unsung Irregular.
This is his third full-length studio LP, and is comprised of 11 tracks showcasing Werkhas unique blend of jazzy breakbeat-tinged electronics and analogue aesthetics. It includes the singles S-Bend, Toast Rack, and two collaborations; Everyday (feat. Ríoghnach Connolly) and Narrow In (feat. Daudi Matsiko) - a pair of revered artists with roots in folk music, complimenting the close connection to nature found throughout Werkhas productions.
——
Werkha (aka Tom Leah) is a multi-instrumentalist born in Rusholme, Manchester. His previous releases on Worldwide Award-winning independent London-based label First Word Records include The Rigour EP (2020), and the All Werk Is Play LP (2022), carrying on from his initial output on the Brighton-based Tru Thoughts label.
Hes had previous support from a wide range of tastemakers such as Gilles Peterson, Nemone, Don Letts, Jamz Supernova and Zakia (BBC 6 Music), Mo Ayoub (BBC Radio 1), Julie Adenuga, Scratcha DVA, BBC Manchester, Worldwide FM and Rinse FM.
Alongside his own releases, hes collaborated and remixed with Quantic, A Certain Ratio, Marcos Valle, Eska, Chunky, Andrew Ashong and extensively with Keisha Thompson and Bryony Jarman-Pinto, to cite a few.
Werkha has done full band and solo performances across the UK and Europe, touring with the likes of Bonobo, Chet Faker, Rebecca Vasmant and Mr Scruff, and sharing billing with Crazy P, GoGo Penguin, Todd Terje, Lefto and MCDE, gracing stages at legendary venues like The Roundhouse, The Jazz Café and Manchester Cathedral, and various festivals including Glastonbury, SXSW, We Out Here, A Love Supreme and Latitude.
Additionally to playing live, Werkha is a formidable DJ, recently doing a mix for Selector Radio (British Council) and previously for the likes of Tom Ravenscroft & Afrodeutsche (BBC 6 Music), NTS, Primavera Sound and Reform Radio.
——
Werkha is a thoughtful, conscientious artist, whose approach to creating is innovative, unique, ever evolving and deeply groovy.
Putting community at the centre of much of what he does, Werkha worked for a mental health arts charity in Stockport, outreach in rural Cumbria and does continual collaboration with Reform Radio to curate opportunities for upcoming Mancunian artists. As Werkha says, the music we love to listen to doesnt exist unless we water the roots from which it grows.
In recent years, he has been creating and building his side-project, Saturama - a live audio-visual experience aimed at reconnecting to our rainforests in the UK, which has received support from organisations like Plantlife, Manchester Museum and RSPB Wild Haweswater, with more exciting collaborations in the pipeline.
——
The new album Unsung Irregular is a deeply considered and thematically rich project, exploring hidden disabilities and spotlighting the power of irregularities that often go unnoticed.
Werkha says as an album title, Unsung Irregular is an anchor point that brings together a lot of the meaning behind each individual track... its a meeting of beauty and a mishap of the form – an irregularity that I hope I can give a voice to.
More than a reflection on chronic pain, Unsung Irregular is a celebration of movement, and the resilient power of music to transform discomfort into rhythm. Scoliosis has shaped his life in ways both visible and invisible, and the album traces those contours with unflinching honesty.
I dont outwardly use my own vocals on records, so I reach for different sounds and instruments to represent the stories I want to tell.
The process of healing is written into every detail: field recordings, processed vocal textures, geographical references. From the conspicuous architectural reference point of Toast Racks title, to tracks like By Helm and Weak Point which are linked not just by theme, but by sound design; echoing physical locations and personal milestones in Toms recovery.
Theres a vocoder I used on a sample of my voice on By Helm… I used that same texture sidechained to kit in Weak Point… Link... Werkha - Scolio [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h-2mu6hJ-Tk/mqdefault.jpg)
![Bastien Keb - Chapter 5 - A Home [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #Jazz #CrossoverJazz
Album: Ghouls [ALBUM]
Track: 18 of 19
Title: Chapter 5 - A Home
Artist: Bastien Keb
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW345
Formats: Vinyl LP/Digital
Digital Release: 14th November 2025
Physical Release: 14th November 2025
About This Release:
First Word Records are very proud to bring you Ghouls, the 6th studio album from Bastien Keb.
Through the reflective and introspective multi-mood journey of its 19-tracks, this album spans psychedelic-chamber-funk, warped anti-ballads, cinematic instrumentals, Ethio-jazz & ethereal ambience.
Part soundtrack, part beat-tape, part memoir, this is a dreamlike soundscape sewn together from half-forgotten memories & late night breakdowns.
Entirely sample-free, this album is full to the brim with musical experimentation, with Kebs compulsion to make all the individual pieces of music independently; combining strings, harps, saxophones, theremins, clarinets, flutes and trumpets.
He signals to the fuzzy, nostalgic nebulous of mid 90s skate videos, as well as harking back to the scores & moods of movies like The French Connection, Taxi Driver, The Warriors and La Haine. There are whispers of sounds in the air from jazz clubs, street preachers & Turkish restaurants.
Keb describes the sonic experience of this album simply as this… Youre half awake, and half asleep, but youre warm…
For this 19-track opus, Keb is joined extensively by Malik Ameer Crumpler; a poet, composer, editor and professor based in Paris, whos been involved in numerous albums while writing for various forms of experimental media.
A multi-instrumentalist originally from the Midlands, Bastien Keb (aka Sebastian Jones) previously released his highly-acclaimed album 22.02.85 on First Word back in 2017; this new album being a very welcome return to the Worldwide Award-winning UK independent label.
His music has been widely supported across BBC Radio in the past by DJs including Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, Huw Stephens, Jamie Cullum, Lauren Laverne, Mary Anne Hobbs, Nemone and Tom Ravenscroft. This is in addition to glowing press reviews from the likes of Pitchfork, The Guardian and The Line Of Best Fit.
Hes built up a steady fanbase through his extensive catalogue over the years, with material for labels like Def Pressé, Gearbox, One-Handed Music and most recently for Shabaka Hutchings Native Rebel Recordings imprint, on a collaborative project with South Londons Confucius MC (Speakers Corner Quartet).
Keb concludes this record is for anyone feeling lost in a world that seems to have lost itself without knowing it. Its for the people who know that the world is missing the beauty of the lights in the distance, whilst being distracted by new shoes and flashy phones...
Ghouls is due to be released on vinyl & digital worldwide, November 14th 2025. Bastien Keb - Chapter 5 - A Home [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h2vtgzdelOA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Amanda Whiting - Intertwined (feat. PEACH.) [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #Jazz #Fusion
Album: The Liminality of Her (Deluxe Edition) [ALBUM]
Track: 3 of 14
Title: Intertwined
Artist: Amanda Whiting (feat. PEACH.)
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 - Intertwined (feat. PEACH.) [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h7A7H8Ah6ps/mqdefault.jpg)
![Above The Clouds, Kidkanevil & Magic Manfred - One For Detroit [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #RapHipHop #InstrumentalEastCoast
Album: One For Detroit [SINGLE]
Track: 1 of 3
Title: One For Detroit
Artist: Above The Clouds, Kidkanevil & Magic Manfred
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. Above The Clouds, Kidkanevil & Magic Manfred - One For Detroit [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hW_PLNUZCRc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Amanda Whiting - Peace Piece [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #Jazz #SmoothJazz
Album: Peace Piece [SINGLE]
Track: 1 of 1
Title: Peace Piece
Artist: Amanda Whiting
Label: First Word Records
Cat#: FW323
Formats: Digital
Digital Release: 8th November 2024
About This Release:
Following on from the critically-acclaimed album The Liminality of Her, some brand new music on First Word Records from formidable Welsh jazz-harpist, Amanda Whiting.
Peace Piece is the first taste of a forthcoming selection pack of seasonal favourites. Expertly crafted with love, care and dedication, Amanda reinterprets Bill Evans 1958 jazz classic into a three-minute slice of sheer Autumnal tranquility. A beautifully poignant composition for the world today.
This track is taken from the forthcoming album A Christmas Cwtch, which takes on assorted classics from the likes of Vince Guaraldi, Holst and Tchaikovsky, and re-presents them with original arrangements from Amanda and her accomplished trio.
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!
Peace Piece will be released on all digital formats, November 8th 2024. Amanda Whiting - Peace Piece [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/inMOTEHnFeA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Georgie Sweet - Bedsheets [Audio]
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#FirstWordRecords #SoulRampB #Soul
Album: I Swear To You [ALBUM]
Track: 11 of 12
Title: Bedsheets
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. Georgie Sweet - Bedsheets [Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/j0jjt1yodiw/mqdefault.jpg)