NuNorthern Soul’s latest retrospective, Pili Pili – Selected Works 1984–2002, celebrates Jasper Van’t Hof’s groundbreaking Afro-fusion collective and the hand-crafted sleeve art by Manchester’s Chris Maude. Blending music and visual craft, Maude’s layered stencil technique and earthy palette reflect Pili Pili’s rhythmic energy and spiritual warmth — a perfect harmony between sound, story and design.

A celebration of memory, culture, and connection between Wales and the Balearics. As NuNorthern Soul continues to build a catalogue of music rooted in reflection, discovery, and timeless expression, this blog post takes a deeper dive into one of the label’s most meaningful projects. On 1st March 2024, NuNorthern Soul unveiled Cofio / Recorda / Remembrance — a release that transcends the idea of a conventional record.

Alec Mansion, Tommy Mandel, Harvey Mantel, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Carl Marshall, Mariposa, Cotton Mather… these are just a few of the artists whose albums I took down from the shelves this morning.  I can see from the sticker I’ve put on the inner sleeve that there’s a couple of tracks I dig on the Mansion album, there’s (the definitive?) Christo Redentor on one of the two Mantel records but I only recognise one or two of the other titles on those, and sure, Mariposa is o

Back in 2020, when the world pressed pause, I was asking myself what role music could play in a moment of global stillness. Clubs were closed, dance floors silent, and the familiar rhythm of daily life was replaced with uncertainty and a strange, collective hush.

Phil Cooper reflects on how division and tribalism in music, football, and politics fuel extremism, shape narratives around immigration, and distract from the real concentration of power. A call for unity, dialogue, and communication to break through.

When most people think of Ibiza, they picture big nights, bigger clubs, and the soundtrack that defined a generation of dance-floors. But there’s another rhythm to this island – slower, softer, and rooted in its landscapes, people, and hidden corners.

One question I get asked a lot is: how did I end up playing at Cream?

Explore the sound of Balearic music through the defining releases of NuNorthern Soul. Featuring tracks from BJ Smith, Ron Basejam, Jasper van’t Hof, Ryo Kawasaki, and Balaphonic, this deep dive captures the soul and spirit of a label built on atmosphere and emotion.

This piece started life as a long social media post some time ago. I’ve decided to refresh it and bring it onto the NuNorthern Soul blog because the themes keep coming up in conversations I’ve had both online and in real life. It’s grown out of exchanges with friends, fellow DJs, music lovers, and curious souls asking questions about my approach and experiences. These are entirely my own personal thoughts and feelings—there’s no right or wrong here.

Roots Artefact rooted in the rich heritage of reggae and sound system culture.