It Ain't Retro: Daptone Records and The 21st-Century Soul Revolution

Daptone Records is a Brooklyn-based independent label that has been producing hard funk and soul music for two decades, launching the careers of artists such as Amy Winehouse, Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley, and Bruno Mars. Their records paid homage to the original artists while proving that soul is still culturally relevant and exciting. This book charts the revival's players, sounds, and tectonic shifts over the past twenty years, from dingy clubs to uptown studios and the White House.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2021
Publisher: Outline Press Ltd

The soul is an incredibly powerful and unique expression of American music, a vibrant blend of roots, migration, race, culture, and politics that has been carefully crafted to provide a delightful dancing experience. However, it would be a mistake to assume that the sounds of Motown or Stax Records have faded away with the decline of 8-tracks and macrame. In fact, for the past two decades, Daptone Records has been tirelessly producing hard funk and soulful music that has sparked a musical revolution.

Founded by a collective of soul-obsessed producers and musicians, Daptone Records is based in Brooklyn and has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous artists, including Amy Winehouse, Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings, Charles Bradley, and Bruno Mars. These artists have achieved immense success thanks to the label's commitment to preserving the authentic spirit of soul music while infusing it with fresh energy and creativity.

One of the key aspects of Daptone Records' success is its dedication to paying homage to the original artists while still pushing the boundaries of the genre. The label's records are filled with references to classic soul hits, but they also incorporate modern influences and techniques to create a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. This approach has resonated with audiences worldwide, proving that soul is still culturally relevant and exciting.

In "It Ain't Retro: The Soul Revival," author Eric Reese takes readers on a journey through the past twenty years of the soul revival. The book charts the players, sounds, and tectonic shifts that have shaped this musical movement, from the dingy clubs where soul-crazed DJs packed the dancefloor to the uptown studios where some of the genre's heaviest musicians jumpstarted the renaissance. Reese also delves into the cultural underpinnings of the soul revival, exploring how it has resonated with audiences of different backgrounds and generations.

One of the most striking aspects of the soul revival is its ability to cross boundaries and appeal to a wide range of audiences. Soul music has always been a reflection of the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities, and the revival has brought these issues to the forefront of popular culture. Artists such as Amy Winehouse, who was openly bisexual and dealt with issues of identity and addiction, have found a massive following among both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ audiences.

Another notable aspect of the soul revival is its emphasis on live performances. Daptone Records has been known for its live shows, which feature a combination of soul veterans and up-and-coming artists. These performances are often filled with energy, passion, and raw emotion, creating a sense of community and connection among the audience.

In conclusion, the soul is an incredibly powerful and unique expression of American music that has been revitalized by Daptone Records. The label's commitment to preserving the authentic spirit of soul music while pushing the boundaries of the genre has sparked a musical revolution and has resonated with audiences worldwide. "It Ain't Retro: The Soul Revival" is a definitive tale of Daptone Records' soulful revolution, chronicling the label's history, players, and sounds while dissecting the scene's cultural underpinnings. Whether you are a soul music fan or simply someone who appreciates great music, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the power and significance of soul music in modern culture.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 215 x 152 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911036739