Millsart is an alias of Jeff Mills which the Detroit tech pioneer and cosmic ambient maestro uses to explore some of his most melodic sounds. 'Theme From Star Child' is a lush soundscape with rich piano chords and glowing synths all over a mid-tempo beat that is perfectly inviting. 'Satori' is more percussive with loopy drums and scintillating hi-hats dancing over the beats. 'Love Warrior' is a broken beat trip with orchestral melodies and sustained chords that all glow like distant stars. Last but not least is the jazz-dancer 'Starlight Trance Dancer' with its rippling keys bringing future soul to the supple rhythms. Learn More
Detroit innovator and singular soundsmith Theo Parrish returns with a new EP which we're told is his response to "stagnation and nonmovement" either physiologically, mentally or physically. 'Positive Mental Attitude Solves All' is up first and is a tribute to the late great funk-father Amp Fiddler. It's a typically deep cut with dusty drums and irregular, scruffy percussive lines layered in next to diffuse synth warmth and soulful melodies. 'Traffic Jams' plays with similar signature themes and is sure to loosen up mind, body and soul. Another standout bit of work from the venerable Motor City man. Learn More
Leron Carson may not be the most widely recognized producer in the Midwest, but his career has deep roots. His first release dates back to 2001, when Theo Parrish released a track he'd recorded in 1987, and since then, Carson has made intermittent appearances on Parrish's Sound Signature label. His latest 12" release for Theo's label is a true standout! "Lemonline" is a smooth, breezy gem, where Carson's jazzy piano melodies effortlessly blend with vibrant, Latin-inspired rhythms. On the flipside, "Sofnthik" transports listeners to an undiscovered 1980s Chicago deep house vibe, with warm, soulful chords swirling around a choppy drum machine groove. It's unclear if it was recorded three decades ago, but it certainly captures that nostalgic lo-fi, analogue essence.
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Sound Signature boss Theo Parrish does a fine job of keeping the majority of his vast back catalogue available to buy for all. It's a tough job, too, cause most of it sells out in a quick fashion, so he has to be on the ball with reissues. A couple are landing this month and 'You Forgot' is one of them. It was his label's 15th release way back in 2001 and for many, b-side cut 'Dirt Rhodes' is one of Parrish's best and most definite tracks. The grinding mechanical grooves that lock you into a hypnotic state are overlaid with perfectly knackered-sounding Rhodes chords and it makes for a magical listen. 'You Forgot' with its soulful vocal musings and perfunctory drum sounds is not bad either. Learn More