HopeStreet Recordings | 2015 recap

It’s been a massive year for HopeStreet with the expansion of our team, the launch of our imprint label Wyall Style, a big handful of 7-inch releases and one super funky Salsa record. With the holidays around the corner we’d be lying if we said we weren’t looking forward to a little break, but all in all it’s been an extremely satisfying year working alongside our artists.

Six years ago we started this project in the basement of a defunct Karate dojo making small run 45’s for soul heads, and over the years we’ve met with new musicians and artists to create a now solid catalogue of seventeen 7-inch records and six full length LPs. Our artists have received international and national acclaim and won numerous awards, so here’s to another 6+ years of innovative record making for you all. Here’s a record by record recap of the year (earliest to latest):

Cosmetic Love / Jappo 7″ by One Sixth & The Public Opinion Six

Our first split collab joint features MC One Sixth on a funky afro groove with the B-side featuring The Public Opinion Six on the same tune, with percussoinist and singer Lamine Sonko fronting. Literally only a couple of these left – get them here.

Better Days / Sweet Water 7″ by The Meltdown 

Slick country-fried soul done right by The Meltdown. Led by singer Simon Burke, these dudes play solid tunes à la Ray Charles and Eli Paper Boy Reed with a killer rhythm section. Grab the 7-inch here.

Wild Stallion Mountain / Khubsoorat Bewafa 7″ by The Bombay Royale

Our favourite psychedelic bollywood funk/soul/surf superstars released this funky white 7-inch this year. It accompanies a crazy video of desert horse fuelled psychedelia. Grab the few limited white 7-inches here.

Cobaw / Fool’s Gold 7″ by The Cactus Channel

Dark and cinematic bogan jazz boys released this homage to country Victoria with their latest instrumental 7-inch. It explores new sounds, and was recorded by them in their house. Grab it here

Quarter Street LP by Quarter Street

Super solid Salsa Dura done right by Melbourne’s hardest working Latin band Quarter Street. Compared to the likes of Ruben Blades and old Fania recordings… get your copy now!

Kill The Doubt / Sleeping Alone 7″ by The Cactus Channel feat. Chet Faker

Recorded in 2014, this collaboration sat on the shelves until late this year. Super chuffed with this one. The Cactus Channel and old mate Chet Faker sound perfect together. Grab the 7-inch here

Slowly / I Want It All 7″ by Frida (out on Wyall Style Records)

As we mentioned above, we started an imprint label called Wyall Style Records. Run by artists behind The Cactus Channel and Frida, this new label is bringing you music with just as much heart and groove, but through a different set of glasses. Frida explore dark and lo-fi pop soul with their first 7-inch release. Grab it here.

Blackfella Whitefella / Down City Streets 7″ by Emma Donovan & The PutBacks feat. Archie Roach, Tim Rogers & Joelistics

An extremely important record for Australia, this collaboration between Indigenous artists Emma Donovan, Archie Roach, Tim Rogers and Joelistics is handing over all proceeds to SOS BLAK AUSTRALIA to raise awareness and funds to help Indigenous people who have been forced out of their home. Support it here.

Kung Fu Pyramids / Snake Eyes 7″ by The PutBacks

The first and original HopeStreet band. These guys brought you our first 45, and they’re back to bring you a record that cooks hard. Kung Fu style. Only 10 left… be quick!