D'Monk - Shine by D'Monk

‘Shine’ is an innovative case-in-point of machine funk turned soulful. Across six tracks, D’Monk (pronounced ‘duhmunk’) — the London-based multi-instrumentalist, producer and selector — makes a strong claim for debut EP of the year, falling somewhere between warm-n-fuzzy electro, LDN broken beat, beatdown and the drunken, undefinable soul-dance of Detroit.

It’s the type of signature touch that has been honed over years; stealthily crafting hard drive-worths of beats in his former-Berlin home studio and working behind-the-scenes with/for Rosie Lowe, Puma Blue and Magoya.

But as Errol and Alex Rita found out, his music truly comes to life in the dance.

With Ken Okuda, Orlando Rosé, Amirah Aziz and Annalisa La Mela, D’Monk runs the Berlin-based party and soon-to-be label, Shush. Alongside their community, the crew are developing an essential foothold within a brimming scene of Berlinites who favour groove over the robotic ‘oontz-oontz’ so traditionally linked with the German capital.

Having been invited to play at Shush back in October 2022, Errol and Alex were blessed to catch D’Monk’s first ever live set. Perched behind a Roland Juno-60, MPC3000 and mixing desk, they saw the dancefloor frenzy that tracks like “U Just Don't Know What U Do 2 Me” and “Don't State The Obvious” cause first-hand.

Those two gems make their way on to the B side live-n-direct, straight from the mixing desk on that night. They’re joined by the downbeat title track, which features Berlin-based keys phenom, Yoofee, 30/70 drummer, Ziggy Zeitgeist, and London’s JAB on percussion. The flip side oozes electro grittiness from A1-3; peaktime badness with subblow weight.

The second entry within Touching Bass’ ongoing 12” vinyl riddim package series. Intentionally made to bottle the eclectic sounds of their much-loved South London-based dance on wax; custom built for dancefloor damage and beautifully presented in the customary, crimson red house sleeve.

Tracklist

1.	Broken Rhythm Composer	6:01

2.	Listen	7:46

3.	U Light Me Up	9:12

4.	U Just Don't Know What U Do 2 Me (Live)	7:36

5.	Don't State The Obvious (Live)	5:29

6.	Shine (feat. Yoofee)	6:26

Credits

released October 18, 2024

A2: Whispers by Jordan Pharoah
B3: Roland Juno-60, Korg MS-20 and Clavinet by Moses Yoofee; Congas, Bongos, Shakers, Tambourines and Triangle by JAB; Additional Congas & Cymbals by Ziggy Zeitgeist

All other instruments/vocals by D’Monk

Instrumentation: Akai MPC3000, Roland TR-808, Roland TB-303, Roland Jupiter 6, Roland Juno-60, Korg MS-20, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, Studio Electronics Boomstar 5089, UDO Super 6, Solina String Ensemble, Hohner Electra, Bruno’s Piano, Fender Stratocaster, Hofner Artist 185, Ludwig Breakbeats

Produced & Arranged by D’Monk
Mixed by Louis McGuire & D’Monk
Mastering & Lacquer Cut by Beau at 1087 Mastering

B1 & B2 recorded live in Berlin on 4th December 2022, at Shush w/ Errol & Alex Rita.

Endless love to all my friends and family for your love and support.
Love to Jordan, Junior, Moses and Ziggy for offering your spirit in sound.
Special thanks to Alex and Errol for your trust, support and patience.
Nuff love to the 808.

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