Full steam ahead! After diving into Groove Chronicles with Tom Lilly earlier this year and celebrating the label’s 75th release in 75 Grooves Strong, it’s clear that The Disco Express knows how to keep the momentum going. Now, the much-loved London label unveils its highly anticipated Best of 2024 compilation, pressed on a stunning neon purple vinyl. This electrifying release is more than a collection of tracks, it’s a celebration of a label that has redefined modern disco and house.
From soul-stirring anthems to Italo-infused grooves, Best of 2024 showcases the diverse styles and talent that define The Disco Express. With contributions from both established artists and rising stars, the compilation offers dance-floor gems like Everybody Move ft. Ron Carroll by Sam Karlson & Magnolia, Luksek’s electrifying Break For Dancers, and Rayowa’s sun-soaked In The Sunshine. Whether you’ve been following the journey since the loft party days or you’re new to the groove train, this milestone release cements The Disco Express’s reputation as one of London’s most vibrant disco labels. So grab your dancing shoes, because this train isn’t slowing down anytime soon!
Tom Lilly introduction.
“Hi there, I’m Tom aka Bustin’ Loose, the founder and label owner of The Disco Express. First and foremost, I’m a music enthusiast, DJ and producer who’s obsessed with all things funk, soul, house, disco and everything in between. I’ve been performing as Bustin’ Loose for the best part of 12 years now and day to day I programme the TDE events around the world, the line ups, the release schedule (among many other things) with my talented label team and DJ collective.”
Photography by Eddy Hubble @hubble_photo for Here & Now @wearehereandnow
Tell us about the label and what you’ve been up to this year?
What started as a small, passion-driven club night in East London has grown into an independent label, a community of like-minded music lovers, and a platform for emerging talent in the house and disco scene.
This year, we’ve been very busy! We hit our milestone 80th release and are celebrating it with a beautiful vinyl compilation. Our events have taken place far and wide.. from New York to Aberdeen, Montréal to Manila with resident club nights in London, Paris, Berlin and Mexico City too! It’s exciting to say the least.
My mission has always been to champion feel-good music, whether it’s through our label releases, live events, or my own productions and DJ sets. At the end of the day, it’s all about connection, connecting people through the universal language of music and creating unforgettable dance floor moments.
Give an overview of this new release?
“Best of 2024 demonstrates the eclecticism of The Disco Express. Yes we do love house and disco, but we also love to explore the full spectrum of dance music.
From Chicago House to Italo, Soul, Nu Disco and Breaks, Best of 2024 is a 7 track compilation of original music, boasting a real breadth of sounds and ideas. Overall, it’s a huge milestone moment for us and one we’re super proud of. Congrats to the artists, they’ve done an amazing job!”
Sam Karlson & Magnolia – Everybody Move ft. Ron Carroll
Peak time banger perfect for hedonistic dance floor moments. Featuring the world class, gospel vocals of Ron Carroll Everybody Move is a direct order to dance!
Concocted by label artists Magnolia and Sam Karlson, Everybody Move is a true international collaboration. Produced in Paris, recorded in Chicago, mastered in LA, released in London on The Disco Express.
Art of Tones – The Magic Count
Art of Tones is nothing short of a production genius. An artist with the midas touch, this will be the fourth time we’ve had Ludo on the label and it’ll be his first straight up original release.
We decided to keep it an exclusive for the Best of 2024. Originally it was a remix recorded in February. It didn’t quite work out so we decided to turn it into his own solo track. We’ve been playing it at our nights and it’s always received such a massive reaction.
Maryag – Poison For Us (Moodena Remix)
Maryag’s original version of Poison For Us caught my attention with its infectious groove and sultry vocal samples. It’s got this cinematic flair that feels nostalgic but also fresh.
When it came to remixing the track, Moodena was the first name on my list. He adds his signature jazzy touch and sun-drenched flavours, taking the track to another level. I love the funk guitar riffs, lush horn stabs, and deep, rolling bassline. It’s smooth, groovy, and undeniably infectious.
It’s perfect for warming up a crowd or even mid-set when you want to inject some sophisticated energy into the dancefloor.
Doche – This Feeling ft. Kria McKenzie (Birdee Remix)
Doche is an incredibly talented producer from Brazil who knows how to fuse both emotional and dance floor ready music. His original version of This Feeling is driven by Kria McKenzie and her soulful, smooth vocals. It’s a track brimming with warmth and positivity, which made it a perfect fit for The Disco Express.
When it came to the remix, Birdee absolutely nailed it. He’s a master at injecting disco-fueled energy into a tune, and his rework of This Feeling doesn’t disappoint. With its tight bassline, sparkling synth layers, and a fresh arrangement that amplifies Kria’s vocals, it transforms the original into a stylish Nu-Disco gem. No wonder why it received such plaudits from the likes of Dave Lee and Mousse T.
Luksek – Break For Dancers
Break For Dancers is a shimmering Italo Disco heater. Featuring driving synthesisers, pulsating bass, and cosmic melodies, Luksek’s music transports you to the neon-lit dance floors of 1980’s Italy.
When I first heard it, I immediately loved its high energy and thunderous bass. It is bold, grooving, and dripping with personality, a track that demands attention and keeps the dancers locked in.
Having played this in several sweaty Berlin clubs before I can tell you first hand, Break For Dancers is so perfectly suited for peak time moments. Time to take things up a notch.
Cocktail Cool – What The Funk (Baka G Remix)
Layered with crisp, garage-inspired drums, Baka G’s remix has a driving rhythm and timeless energy. Lush piano house melodies fuse with silky strings, velvety vocals and pounding bass.
What stood out for me was Baka G’s attention to detail and high calibre production. She really went to town on this remix and elevates Cocktail Cool’s already brilliant original with the fusion of gritty garage grooves and 90’s house keys. It was one of the first tracks I chose when curating the Best of 2024 compilation.
Rayowa – In The Sunshine
A simply sublime soul track to close out the Best of 2024. Rayowa’s In The Sunshine is inspired by the sun-drenched music of Roy Ayers, Kool & The Gang and Luther Vandross.
It embodies everything the label is about: high-quality, feel-good soul-infused music that bridges the gap between timeless funk and contemporary production. It’s classy, melodic, and filled with personality, which is exactly what we aim to deliver with every release on the label.
Close your eyes and let In The Sunshine teleport you to a world of swaying palm trees, sandy beaches and the Summer breeze.
Thank you and conclusion.
Thank you to Tom Lilly and the entire team at The Disco Express for sharing their passion and vision with us. The Best of 2024 compilation is more than music, it’s a celebration of connection and creativity on the dance floor. Don’t miss out on thislimited-edition vinyl, grab your copy today and let the music move you! Stay tuned for more exclusive track talks and keep grooving.
DJ | MUSIC CURATOR & SELECTOR | PODCAST MAKER | BLOGGER
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