TRU THOUGHTS TAKEOVER —
TRU THOUGHTS TAKEOVER —
Saturday 26th April at 93 Feet East (Main Bar)
5:30pm-1:30am
Tru Thoughts are a Brighton-based record label that turn 25 in 2024. A&R, DJ and radio presenter Robert Luis, and co-owner Paul Jonas started the label alongside running club nights in Brighton. They have released a huge variety of music covering Electronic, Jazz, Soul, Broken Beat, Hip Hop, Grime, and Downtempo. Artists on the label, new and old, have included Alice Russell, Hot 8 Brass Band, Moonchild, Quantic, Flowdan, Bonobo, Ty, Ebi Soda, Steven Bamidele and WheelUP. The label owners’ truly eclectic tastes are reflected in their policy of: “Good music is good music”.We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them again this year for a legendary takeover at 93 Feet East!
WheelUP w/ Victoria Port
WheelUP, West London producer and DJ Danny Wheeler, is a leader in the bruk revival. Known for releases on Tru Thoughts, Future Bounce, and more, he’s received support from Gilles Peterson and Jamz Supernova. His debut album Good Love (2021) and follow-up We Are The Magic (2023) celebrate broken beat, featuring artists like Afronaut and Kaidi Tatham. WheelUP performs live across UK festivals and hosts the club night ‘WheelUP & Friends,’ bringing bruk legends to London’s Fox & Firkin.
Robert Luis
Robert Luis is the founder and A&R of Brighton-based label Tru Thoughts, known for signing talents like Quantic, Bonobo, Moonchild, and Alice Russell. His DJ sets cover a broad spectrum—from beats and jazz to jungle, grime, and soul—leading him to perform worldwide, from underground clubs to major festivals like SXSW, We Out Here, and Love Supreme. FACT Magazine named him among the "100 Most Underrated."
Footshooter & Vimbai Mango
Barney Whittaker, aka Footshooter, is a south London producer and DJ known for blending broken beat, jazz, and house influences with soulful collaborations. His work, including as part of the duo SAUL, has gained support on BBC Radio 1 & 1xtra, NTS Radio, Jazz FM, and Rinse FM, with fans like Gilles Peterson and Bonobo. His live performances span iconic venues like Boiler Room and Tate Modern, plus festivals such as We Out Here and Love Supreme. A five-year resident on Balamii Radio, his show Sonic Fruits airs monthly, showcasing soulful house, jazz, and more. Instagram / Spotify
Vimbai Mango is a British-Zimbabwean soul singer, producer, and composer whose music blends electronic, African rhythms, jazz instrumentation, and folk-spoken word in both English and Shona. Rooted in storytelling, her sound bridges ancestral influences with modern sonic landscapes, incorporating traditional instruments like the mbira. A captivating live performer, she has played at venues including Glastonbury and Rich Mix, offering audiences an immersive, genre-defying experience. Instagram / Spotify
Steven Bamidele
Steven Bamidele is a London-based singer, songwriter, and producer whose intricate, psychedelic soul combines lush synths, syncopated beats, and soulful falsetto. Born in Nigeria and raised in Suffolk, his music explores themes of identity, family, and self-reflection, drawing influences from Marvin Gaye, Radiohead, and Solange. His debut album Summing Up features introspective singles like “Kaleidoscope” and “Head Down,” with support from Jazz FM, KCRW, and BBC Introducing. Known for his reflective lyrics and meticulous production, Steven's live performances have taken him to venues like The Jazz Café and festivals such as Love Supreme and We Out Here.
Rhys Baker
Rhys Baker is the label manager of Brighton-based independent record label Tru Thoughts (and its publishing company Full Thought Publishing). The award-winning record label – which is celebrating its 25th anniversary – is home to an eclectic array of artists (old and new on the roster), such as Alice Russell, Hot 8 Brass Band, Moonchild, Quantic, Flowdan, Bonobo, Ty, Ebi Soda, Tara Lily and many more. Having been invited on panels at The Great Escape, Brighton Music Conference, and Sound & Vision, as a DJ, his diverse sets have seen him perform at festivals such as Gilles Peterson’s We Out Here, Love Supreme, and Brick Lane Jazz Festival while hosting radio shows on Threads, Noods and Worldwide FM.
Lucy Michael
Lucy Michael serves as the Promotions and Content Manager at Tru Thoughts, a celebrated independent record label in Brighton now marking 25 years. Known for its award-winning approach to diverse music, the label supports both celebrated and up-and-coming artists, with names like Alice Russell, Hot 8 Brass Band, Moonchild, Quantic, Flowdan, Bonobo, Ty, Ebi Soda, and Tara Lily among the roster.
Lucy has represented Tru Thoughts at prominent festivals including Gilles Peterson’s We Out Here, Love Supreme, and Brick Lane Jazz Festival, in addition to supporting artists such as Mr. Scruff. She also hosts her own radio shows on Platform B in Brighton.
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