

Is it Balearic?
The new kids on the block may have something going on but it’s not Balearic: not in origin, not in style, not in attitude. It doesn’t have that feeling.

Steve KIW
1 day ago3 min read


Craft, Colour and Connection — Chris Maude’s Artwork for Jasper Van’t Hof’s Pili Pili Retrospective
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.

Phat Phil Cooper
Oct 93 min read


A Tribe Called Quest: The Never-Ending Dig
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

Steve KIW
Sep 284 min read


When the World Stood Still: Streaming Through the Slowdown
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.

Phat Phil Cooper
Sep 232 min read


In the Studio with Be.Lanuit: Crafting a Remix for Archeo’s 10 Year Celebration
I’m really happy to share some news about a new remix I’ve worked on with my friend and fellow Ibiza resident Be.Lanuit for Archeo Recordings’ 10 Year Anniversary Series. This project has been a real pleasure to be part of, not only because of the label’s legacy but also because of the history of the original record.

Phat Phil Cooper
Sep 122 min read


The Other Side of the Island: A Different View of Ibiza
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.

Phat Phil Cooper
Sep 92 min read


JILO – Mirage’s Colours (NUNS072D)
One of the joys of running NuNorthern Soul is discovering artists who bring something fresh and heartfelt to the Balearic sound. JILO is one of those.

Phat Phil Cooper
Sep 52 min read


Balearic Americana: B.J. Smith’s Dedications To The Greats Vol.4 With Joe Harvey-Whyte
B.J. Smith returns to NuNorthern Soul with Dedications To The Greats Vol. 4 — reimagining Billy Swan’s Don’t Be Cruel in three expansive, Balearic-tinged versions.

Phat Phil Cooper
Aug 262 min read


NuNorthern Soul: 2025 So Far
We’re halfway through the year and NuNorthern Soul has already delivered a run of varied and well-received releases. From debut...

Phat Phil Cooper
Aug 242 min read


Ondas Horizontales Remixes: NuNorthern Soul’s New Balearic Chapter
NuNorthern Soul returns with Ondas Horizontales Remixes — Balearic reworks from Ruf Dug, Steve Cobby, Andres y Xavi and Simon Sheldon.

Phat Phil Cooper
Aug 222 min read


Music Publishing Made Simple: Why It Matters and How It Powers NuNorthern Soul
When most people think of the music industry, they imagine gigs, streaming, and vinyl records. But behind every track you love, there’s a quieter, more mysterious part of the business that makes sure songwriters get paid, their music finds new audiences, and opportunities pop up in surprising places. That’s music publishing.

Phat Phil Cooper
Aug 164 min read


Refreshed, Thoughts on Music, DJing & Longevity
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.

Phat Phil Cooper
Aug 154 min read


Roots Artefact: From Seafront Hi-Fi to NuNorthern Soul
Roots Artefact rooted in the rich heritage of reggae and sound system culture.

Phat Phil Cooper
Aug 103 min read






