Dirty Disco 609: A Different Kind of Flow
Episode 609 of Dirty Disco marks a shift. A subtle but intentional change in tone and format. Not out of strategy, but out of necessity. As summer reaches its peak, […]
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Dirty Disco 615: Futuristic Disco Meets Soulful House in a 2-Hour Journey Kono Vidovic
When I think of timeless deep house that manages to stir both the soul and the floor, James Kumo is one of those names that instantly comes to mind. I’ve been following his journey through labels like Delsin’s Ann Aimee, Metamorphic, and Wayout, and every time he delivers something with real purpose and substance. His latest outing on Freerange, the Motivate Your Mind EP, feels like the culmination of years of refinement: spiritual grooves, rich percussive layers, and a sound that nods to Detroit while keeping things distinctly Kumo. In this Track Talk, James opens up his musical world by sharing 10 tracks that shaped his path, from Ibiza classics in the 90s to Detroit keys and finally his brand-new release.
Track 1: X-Press 2 – Muzik XPress – JBO (1993)
Early 90’s were my first clubbing experiences. Think the first time I heard this was when it just came out, in 1993. Amnesia, Ibiza. Place went crazy.
Track 2: The Sabres Of Paradise – Smokebelch – (1993)
When I got back from Ibiza, in 93, went straight to The Drum Club in Charing Cross, and that was the first time I heard Andy Weatherall play. Man, what a night and what a tune!
Track 3: – Mood II Swing set Carol Sylvan – Closer – Kind St Sounds (1994)
Classic NY soulful house, from the prolific King St label. Mood II Swing top top producers. Varied output, go check their material out.
Track 4: Underground Resistance – Journey Of The Dragons – UR (1994)
I could have easily dropped Hi-Tech Jazz in here, but I’ll go for this one. Super emotive vibes on this one….deep as f@ck!
Track 5: Black Science Orchestra – New Jersey Deep – JBO (1996)
Another classic from the Junior Boys Own vaults, this time via Ashley Beedle, Rob Mello and Darren Morris. Still digging this track.
Track 6: Larry Heard – Deja Vu (2001)
I had to have a Larry Heard release in here. Could have selected any number of his works, but something about deja vu what resonates with me. Soulful vibes from the master.
Track 7: Jimpster – Cloud Walking – Freerange (2011)
One from the boss. Again could have selected any number of his excellent discography from over the years. But this one is a proper builder, and just bubbles along. Tune!
Track 8: Westcoast Goddess – Truth Window – Penelape (2019)
Send shivers down my neck this one. Luuuurve WCG chords progressions. Boom!
Track 9: Jon Dixon – The New Tomorrow – Visions Recordings (2021)
Another don on the keys. His jams are always tight. Essential business outta Detroit.
Track 10: James Kumo – Motivate Your Mind EP – Freerange (2025)
My latest EP, out on Jimpster’s Freerange records in mid-August. 3 deep house groovers, play loud!!
Outro.
A massive thank you to James Kumo for taking the time to share these gems and stories with us. It’s always special to hear how the roots of Ibiza, New York, and Detroit continue to echo through a producer’s own creations. His Motivate Your Mind EP is out now on Freerange Records, with the single Loosen Up leading the way and the full EP following on August 15th. Make sure to dive in, stream it, and support one of the UK’s most consistent deep house voices.
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Author
Kono Vidovic
DJ | MUSIC CURATOR & SELECTOR | PODCAST MAKER | BLOGGER Professional online interpreneur. Coffee practitioner. Electronic music culture maven. Total music guru. Infuriatingly humble problem solver. Food & sports fanatic.
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