Tru Thoughts

Tru Thoughts Independent record label, est. 1999. Brighton UK. Tru Thoughts was formed in 1999 in Brighton, on the south coast of England, by Robert Luis and Paul Jonas.

Initially run from underneath Rob’s stairs, the label was originally started as a home for some of the exciting music being produced by the regular guests at our Brighton club nights, at which Rob was the resident DJ. (Some of the most popular long-running nights past and present include phonic:hoop, Etch, Sonic Switch, Shake Yer Wig, and Vibez Express). After a run of eclectic 12” and 7” singles,

the first artist album was Bonobo’s debut, ‘Animal Magic’, and it was immediately well received by critics and fans, as well as the music being in demand for adverts and major compilations. As the club nights continued to be packed out, any income was reinvested back into the label. With Brighton the hub of a buzzing leftfield music scene, it wasn’t long before more of these great artists were snapped up, with Quantic, Nostalgia 77, Alice Russell and TM Juke forming the backbone of the roster. Other long-term signings followed from further afield, including London trio Belleruche; Lance Ferguson from Melbourne, Australia (with his various guises including The Bamboos, Lanu, Menagerie and the production of Kylie Auldist); New Orleans’ Hot 8 Brass Band; and Edinburgh’s Hidden Orchestra. In 2007 Quantic moved to Colombia and began working with numerous amazing artists from Central and South America, which opened up an exciting new stream of musical styles into the label. Spreading our net wider as time has gone on, we have proudly released music from all over the world, and gradually come to reflect the label’s fanbase, which has always been very international from day one. It has been our absolute pleasure to release the wonderful music of Kinny, of Native Canadian and Jamaican heritage and based in Norway; Brazilians Drumagick and Saravah Soul; Japan’s Anchorsong; Mark de Clive-Lowe and Lost Midas from the States; and of course lots of acts from the UK, including Zed Bias/Maddslinky/Sleepin’ Giantz, Hint, Zero dB, Omar, Wrongtom, Riz MC, Harleighblu, Ty and Rodney P. Still running from Brighton, we have released over 120 albums and are still 100% independent, with Rob being the man picking the tunes and Paul putting together the team that now handle all aspects of releasing the music internationally, as well as working the publishing to movies, TV and adverts. Our policy is to look to sign music of all styles by artists that are interesting and creative, from downtempo instrumentals to heavy club tracks, through reggae, dub and hip hop to the wonderful voices of folk, jazz and soul-influenced singers and songwriters. We aren’t the sort of people to get stuck on genres; we hope you agree that good music is good music. Our publishing company Full Thought Publishing (www.fullthought.co.uk) works alongside the label, whilst also attracting a wide catalogue of non-Tru Thoughts music. We have also had the pleasure of working with a fantastic list of collaborators and remixers over the years including the likes of Skream, Stevie Wonder, Daedulus, Cut Chemist, Aloe Blacc, MJ Cole, Beth Rowley, Toddla T, Prins Thomas, Clark, Sam Sparro, Falty dL, Flux Pavilion, Rizzle Kicks, Washington, Tim Rogers, Roy Ayers, True Tiger, Tawiah, Common, Angie Stone, Maxi Jazz, Adrian Utley and many more.

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud  🔊 Portishead's cove...
08/09/2024

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud 🔊 Portishead's cover of ABBA which was recently released on 7” vinyl in support of War Child UK. Rap tunes from Namesbliss, Knucks and DJ Jazzy Jeff feat CL SMOOTH. Ashley Beedle’s Re-edit of Kylie Auldist’s Soul & Strings track. The classic 4hero remix of Nuyorican Soul. IZCO with the Drum & Bass. Jamz Supernova & Sam Interface remix a track from the latest Sly5thAve album. Jazz from SML on International Anthem and the brilliant LCSM album from Ig Culture. A Crazy P tune in tribute to Danielle Moore (Rest In Peace). Brazilian influenced Broken Beat from Troubleman aka Mark Pritchard feat Nina Miranda. Plus plenty more music treats.

Our latest "Tru Thoughts presents" Apple Music DJ Mix is an audio representation of where WheelUP is musically right now...
07/09/2024

Our latest "Tru Thoughts presents" Apple Music DJ Mix is an audio representation of where WheelUP is musically right now: "I wanted to give the listener an audio experience with the same intensity and soulful joy that you would expect if you heard me DJing at a music festival; and with that same energy you could enjoy this mix while chilling at home, driving or in the gym. This is the sound of contemporary Broken Beat / West London Sound / Nu Jazz all wrapped into a 60 minute package for your listening consumption" WheelUP. This is the sound of Djwheelup on the decks flexing dubs and tunes that he loves and that come from the heart 🎧 https://music.apple.com/us/album/wheelups-bruk-selections-001-dj-mix/1765218799

We proudly present the 25th-anniversary edition of our ‘Shapes’ series, highlighting our catalogue from its inception in...
06/09/2024

We proudly present the 25th-anniversary edition of our ‘Shapes’ series, highlighting our catalogue from its inception in 1999 to the present day. Curated by A&R, label founder and co-owner, DJ Robert Luis, ‘Shapes 25’ (drops Friday 13th Sept) is a 30-track compilation split into two parts, each exploring a different facet of our eclectic roster. Part One offers a taste of our soul, downtempo and jazz releases. Part Two highlights our club and dance floor anthems, including an exclusive, previously unreleased remix of Sandunes' "Follow Me feat. KAVYA" by the MOBO Awards-nominated, Zed Bias (aka Maddslinky and Phuturistix); the dark-swing, UK bass reworking of "Follow Me" is a dubstep-influenced floor filler.
Plus, to celebrate our 25th birthday this month we have 25% off of everything for 25 hours on on our Bandcamp, use the discount code TRU25BDAY at checkout 🎂

05/09/2024

Alice Russell shares two new remixes; the first by London electro duo, and Soulwax’s DEEWEE signees, Sworn Virgins, paired with Tru Thoughts label mate and versatile producer Palm Skin Productions. Both remixed tracks are taken from Alice Russell’s revelatory new album 'I Am'.

Jamz Supernova and Sam Interface offer up a dancefloor-ready reimagining of Sly5thAve’s “Liberation”. Known for his soph...
03/09/2024

Jamz Supernova and Sam Interface offer up a dancefloor-ready reimagining of Sly5thAve’s “Liberation”. Known for his sophisticated compositions and orchestral prowess, the track is taken from his critically acclaimed third album of the same name. “All my music is deeply personal but “Liberation” is a big tune for me. When I found out Jamz Supernova and Sam Interface wanted to remix it, I was super excited because Jamz has continued to be a big supporter of my music from the beginning and I knew if she was gonna be involved, it was going to be quality… Oh my GOD, was I right! I love their spin on it - it’s danceable, fun, hard, sexy and has all of the things that you want when you’re on the dance floor." Sly5thAve

All of us at Tru Thoughts are devastated to hear of the news of the passing of Danielle from Crazy P. She used to DJ for...
02/09/2024

All of us at Tru Thoughts are devastated to hear of the news of the passing of Danielle from Crazy P. She used to DJ for us at our phonic:hoop club 25 years ago and we have proudly watched her amazing journey. Heartbreaking news and our love to her friends, family and the shared music community that is grieving this news.

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud  🔊 A big orchestral ...
01/09/2024

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud 🔊 A big orchestral track on Tru Thoughts from the forthcoming Benji Bower & the Terra Collective Orchestra album. Hip Hop from the Pataka Boys and De La Soul feat MF DOOM. A classic from Portishead. Zach Witness reworks the classic Hot Music. Quality club music from MYSTERY TIIME. A quality remix of the Cengiz tune MOTF. Brand new music from Tara Lily plus Drum & Bass from Roni Size Reprazent feat Bahamadia and Phaze One (using a classic Tom & Jerry inspired Jungle sample). Reggae from Sister Carol, Sugar Minott, Quantic Music & Alice Russell feat U-Roy. Plus plenty more music treats.

Tara Lily's new single "Breathe Now", a jazzy DnB infused track about getting out of the mind and into the body, is feat...
30/08/2024

Tara Lily's new single "Breathe Now", a jazzy DnB infused track about getting out of the mind and into the body, is featured in the latest Bandcamp Weekly show, alongside new music from Rosie Lowe, Galliano, Nubya Garcia, Pataka Boys and much more. It's taken from her forthcoming debut album, 'Speak In The Dark', dropping at the end of Sept 🎧 https://bandcamp.com/?show=771

In a week's time, to tie in with the return of   on 6th Sept, our new "festival" t-shirt designs will be available throu...
29/08/2024

In a week's time, to tie in with the return of on 6th Sept, our new "festival" t-shirt designs will be available through our Bandcamp page https://tru-thoughts.bandcamp.com/merch 👀

Bryony Jarman-Pinto will be performing at BBC Radio 2 In the Park on Thursday 5th Sept, as part of a very special Jo Whi...
27/08/2024

Bryony Jarman-Pinto will be performing at BBC Radio 2 In the Park on Thursday 5th Sept, as part of a very special Jo Whiley X BBC Music Introducing radio show recorded live at The Ferret. Shows at PizzaExpress Live and Lancaster Jazz Festival follow later in the month, all details below 👇

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or Soundcloud 🔊 A show influenced ...
25/08/2024

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or Soundcloud 🔊 A show influenced by all the artists, DJs and tunes Robert heard at We Out Here Festival recently. An important track from Aja-Monet. Deep downtempo tunes from Andre 3000 and Tara Lily. Soul from Dee Dee Bridgewater, Asha Puthli, Steven Bamidele, Loose Ends and Allysha Joy. A classic from Omar Lye-Fook & Zed Bias. Broken Beat from Matica on Dance Regular. Reggae from Mr. Vegas and Yaya Bey. An uplifting dancefloor groove from Gayance featuring Judith Little D. Plus plenty more music treats.

South London, British-Bengali musician Tara Lily announces her debut album, 'Speak In The Dark', a record about “things ...
23/08/2024

South London, British-Bengali musician Tara Lily announces her debut album, 'Speak In The Dark', a record about “things that go unsaid - secrets, desires and our connection to our ancestors”, sharing the lead-single "Breathe Now", a jazzy DnB infused track about getting out of the mind and into the body, inspired by Tara’s work with SHAKTI energy (divine female life force)

Go behind the scenes on Alice Russell's music video for 'Gravity' with Director Tiara Westlake from We Are tilt; "A brea...
22/08/2024

Go behind the scenes on Alice Russell's music video for 'Gravity' with Director Tiara Westlake from We Are tilt; "A breath-taking film that transports Alice through space and time, and brings the viewer along for the emotionally-charged ride."

Go behind the scenes on the music video for 'Gravity' with Director Tiara Westlake from We Are Tilt.A breath-taking film that transports Alice through space ...

Renowned composer, pianist, producer, musical director and artist, Benji Bower unites Bristol’s most acclaimed musicians...
20/08/2024

Renowned composer, pianist, producer, musical director and artist, Benji Bower unites Bristol’s most acclaimed musicians to form a 60-piece ensemble, The Terra Collective Orchestra. Together, they present their debut album, ‘Terra Coda’ a symphonic love letter to the Earth (11.10). The second offering from the album is double single “Leviathan feat. Harriet Riley / Perpetuus feat. Melanie Marshall”. “Leviathan” features British percussionist Harriet Riley and draws narrative from the awe-inspiring, formidable imagery of the sea, delving into themes of grief, dissent and justice. Album closer, “Perpetuus,” which comes complete with a stunning video by Adam Laity, showcases the mezzo-soprano performance of Melanie Marshall, adding depth and richness to the piece, while exploring topics of wisdom, fear and rebirth.

Benji Bower & The Terra Collective Orchestra - "Perpetuus feat. Melanie Marshall", from the album 'Terra Coda' Renowned composer, pianist, producer, musical ...

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Tru Thoughts' Mixcloud 🔊 A track from the N...
18/08/2024

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Tru Thoughts' Mixcloud 🔊 A track from the NxWorries album on Stones Throw Records. Two tunes on Tru Thoughts that were used in the Olympics Breaking competition from Alice Russell and The Bamboos, plus tracks from the DJs at the event, Plash and DJ FLEG. Broken Beat from Oliver Knight feat Bel Cobain remixed by Ig Culture, iMantús x Reon Vangèr, and an unreleased BlackTonez Remix. Soul from Sio, Hiatus Kaiyote, and the Love & Purpose compilation put together by DJ Gilla on his First Word Records label. Rap from Namesbliss, Kool Keith (with Dr Zygote & Jazz T), Masta Ace, and Pataka Boys. Plus plenty more music treats.

Bruk Rogers THE ROGERVERSE VOL. 1 🪐 DJ Mix on Apple Music Showcasing tracks from the album ‘Loopholes’ - a vibrant melti...
16/08/2024

Bruk Rogers THE ROGERVERSE VOL. 1 🪐 DJ Mix on Apple Music

Showcasing tracks from the album ‘Loopholes’ - a vibrant melting pot blending jazz, soul and funk with dub and reggae flavours, notes of bossa nova, samba, and hip hop, plus a UK bass music touch - this hour long mix highlights the depth and range of Bruk Rogers’ musical influences, all seamlessly integrated within the framework of Broken Beat.

Alice Russell's performance of "I Am" live on the Main Stage at last year’s We Out Here Festival is now up on her channe...
14/08/2024

Alice Russell's performance of "I Am" live on the Main Stage at last year’s We Out Here Festival is now up on her channel. This year Alice will be DJing at WOH as part of the Tru Thoughts 25th Birthday label takeover, Saturday in the Tomorrow’s Warriors Big Top 🎪 Come and say hello!

Alice Russell performs "I Am" live on the Main Stage at We Out Here Festival 2023. Alice Russell's new album 'I Am' is available on vinyl, CD, cassette and d...

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud  🔊 Drum & Bass from ...
11/08/2024

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud 🔊 Drum & Bass from Dj Randall (Rest In Peace) and Alix Perez. Soul from Sunbear. Reggae from The Travellers. Rap from Jayahadadream & Zoutr, Pataka Boys, Gang Starr, J-LIVE and Richy Pitch (Rest In Peace). IZCO and Reek0 remix oreglo. A classic from Soul II Soul. New club tracks from Murder He Wrote and Jon E Cash. Plus plenty more music treats.

09/08/2024

The third in the series of Hip Hop DJ mixes from Robert Luis, a 5 hour mix covering 2000-2009

08/08/2024

Sandunes follows the release of her album ‘The Ground Beneath Her Feet’ with a 2-step UKG remix of “Signs” from the MOBO Awards-nominated “godfather of dubstep”, Zed Bias, a musician and DJ known for his seminal work as a pioneer of the UK’s underground sound.

At Tru Thoughts we owe so much to the positive impact of diverse cultures from across the world being filtered through o...
07/08/2024

At Tru Thoughts we owe so much to the positive impact of diverse cultures from across the world being filtered through our unique UK musical landscape. Without this fusion and celebration of diversity, the label would not exist. I have seen and experienced the positive influence of music to educate and unite people from a variety of backgrounds, from 2 Tone Records to Grime. At school I saw people who had been repeating racist attitudes they had read in newspapers to me, go to a Public Enemy gig and change their outlook and understanding overnight. That had a major direct impact on me on the power of music and art. Music can be used as such a positive force in times like this.

It is important to all try and unite and look out for each other against the minority looking to divide us right now.

The following might be helpful right now:
Stand Up To Racism https://standuptoracism.org.uk/ Have a network of local groups and organise at a national level.

HOPE not hate https://hopenothate.org.uk/ Campaign against racism and fascism, as well as providing research and ways to take action.

Or just do your own thing by talking to family, friends and colleagues who may be getting incorrect information, or checking in with anyone you think may be effected by the current situation.

Robert Luis

"It's rare to see a project that is so democratic, so fair, and so directly connected to creativity at the same time. Ho...
05/08/2024

"It's rare to see a project that is so democratic, so fair, and so directly connected to creativity at the same time. How can such an ideal project come to fruition?"
Mitsutaka Nagira has been chatting to Catpack for Rolling Stone Japan

ムーンチャイルドのボーカル、アンバー・ナヴラン、ルイス・コールやサム・ウィルクスとの共演でも知られるLAジャズシーン屈指のピアニスト/キーボード奏者ジェイコブ・マン、ドクター・ドレーやジャスティン・ビー....

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud  🔊 A great track fro...
04/08/2024

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud 🔊 A great track from The Zawose Queens. Soul from Eliza and Steven Bamidele. Rap from Namesbliss, KRS-One, Your Old Droog, MF DOOM. Jazz from Sefi Zisling, Jaubi and a big tune from The Outer Worlds Jazz Ensemble feat Chip Wickham. Broken Beat from Bruk Rogers feat MELONYX, Haze City, plus Wheel UP & Don Surf remix Tyla. Plus plenty more music treats.

King Krule's "Thats my life… with Tara Lily (demo)" is available on Bandcamp. It's a first play through the recording of...
02/08/2024

King Krule's "Thats my life… with Tara Lily (demo)" is available on Bandcamp. It's a first play through the recording of the skeleton of the song that became "Thats my Life, That is yours" from the 2023 King Krule album "Space Heavy"; "One take late at night at Senor Al's old studio on Nunhead Lane. Tara is singing with me, and making something glow in the darkness." ✨ New Tara Lily music coming soon!

🌞 "What a remix this is - one of the tunes of the summer" 🌞Big up Andrew Jervis, Bandcamp's Chief Curator and host of Ba...
30/07/2024

🌞 "What a remix this is - one of the tunes of the summer" 🌞
Big up Andrew Jervis, Bandcamp's Chief Curator and host of Bandcamp Weekly, for including Colleen 'Cosmo' Murphy's disco-ready "Cosmodelica" remix of Bryony Jarman-Pinto's “Moving Forward” on the latest Bandcamp Weekly - a dive into this summer’s top tunes 😎

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud  🔊 Hip Hop from the ...
28/07/2024

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud 🔊 Hip Hop from the excellent Pataka Boys album, Clyde Beats feat 5vvanky and a NAS classic. A quality remix from Domu. Colleen 'Cosmo' Murphy’s epic Cosmodelica remix of Bryony Jarman-Pinto. Jazz from Sun Ra, Chip Wickham and Ebi Soda remixed by Max Wheeler. Plus part 2 of Robert’s Love Supreme Festival inspired DJ Mix with tracks from Cengiz, COEN, Ishaq, Flowdan, Roni Size, Tyla, Aries, SAULT, Miss Jill Scott and plenty more music treats.

We're looking forward to this year's We Out Here Festival in a little under a months time 🌞 We will be celebrating 25 ye...
24/07/2024

We're looking forward to this year's We Out Here Festival in a little under a months time 🌞 We will be celebrating 25 years of Tru Thoughts with a Saturday session featuring Tara Lily and Steven Bamidele live, and DJ sets from Alice Russell, Robert Luis, BiggaBush, Rhys & Lucy. Plus Djwheelup is DJing on Thursday at Ella Knight's session.

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud  🔊 Soul from Jimetta...
21/07/2024

This week's Unfold show with label head Robert Luis is here. 📻 Listen now on Mixcloud or SoundCloud 🔊 Soul from Jimetta Rose Music & The Voices Of Creation, Allysha Joy & Ganavya. Part 1 of a mix inspired by Robert’s DJ set at the Love Supreme Festival recently. Hip Hop from Little Simz, Kendrick Lamar blended with MF DOOM, Samrai blended with Giggs. Broken Beat from Bruk Rogers and Nutmeg. A deep edit of Cleo Sol by Lazeness. Dancefloor Boogie from Comb Edits and Oro’s track “Stop The War”. Snips & Eduardo Brecho up the tempo on their cover of Fela Kuti. Plus plenty more music treats.

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