Tom Lilly (The Disco Express)
By: Dream Chimney
The following interview was conducted on November 22, 2024
Tom Lilly heads up The Disco Express, the London-based label on the fast track to greatness! This week they release a celebration of this past year with a Best Of 2024 EP. Historically, we think of disco as upbeat, dancefloors and disco balls. But there are many disco tracks that are on the smoother side and are perfect for cruising and lounging. We thought it would be fun for The Disco Express label head to take us through some of his ‘Downtempo Disco’ selections.
Another Taste - Time Is On Our Sid
One of my favourite bands at the moment. Rotterdam funk, disco, jazz group Another Taste are serving up absolute gold with their consistently high quality releases on Danilo Plesslow's label Space Grapes.
Ashford & Simpson - Love Don't Make It Right
I remember hearing this for the first time on Studio 54 Radio when I was in LA and thinking boy this is such a jam. Goes without saying Ashford & Simpson are among the best, if not the best, couple duo's in disco history.
The Wild Violets - Sunrise
Sunrise is a signature release on The Disco Express and one you have to know. The Wild Violets are a super talented band from London with a penchant for great funk, soul and disco music.
Every day I receive many demos, upon hearing Sunrise for the first time I simply fell in love with it. It encapsulates that authentic 70's euphoria fused with contemporary production techniques. The instrumentation and lyrics combine so well to tell a story, it's a true modern gem and one we shout about a lot when talking about the music of The Disco Express. It was remixed by the legendary Dr Packer and released on vinyl in July 2024.
Revelation - Feel It
Smooth Summer soul! Good vibrations throughout and it’s impossible to not feel happy when you hear this downtempo disco masterpiece.
Rena Scott - We Can Make It Better
The string section at the beginning is insane. I love the old school sounds of the 70’s and 80’s, its authenticity, organic and live feel. We Can Make It Better is a proper disco / soul groover with some powerhouse vocals from Detroit’s Rena Scott. Reminiscent of music by Inner Life, Cheryl Lynn and Two Ton’s Of Fun.
Sylvester - I Need Somebody To Love Tonight
The first time I heard this was at Glastonbury Festival in 2023 as Felix Dickinson closed Genosys Soundsystem. 5am, the sun was shining. It’s hypnotic, weird, wonderful and was the perfect soundtrack to close out an incredible weekend of music.
Isaac Hayes - Moonlight Lovin’
That same year was my first time at the NYC Downlow. This was the song that played as we entered the tent. Maybe a delusion of grandeur haha, but it was an amazing feeling to be the first ones in as the stage opened; dancing with your best mates on the open dance floor. For a long time Isaac Hayes has been a true hero of mine and this was such a good memory.
Blackrock - The New York City Bump
Roland Cespedes, our NYC event manager, artist and resident DJ has been holding down The Disco Express parties at Ponyboy in Brooklyn for the best part of a year now and The New York City Bump is traditionally the first song we play to kick start the night.
Smith & Mudd - The Distance (Ron Basejam Remix)
Perfect for poolside chillin’ Ron’s remix is so clean and incredibly well produced it’s perfect to DJ in the warm up. I love the chords, the vocals and the snap of the drums. An all round wicked tune.
Rayowa - In The Sunshine
Rayowa is self-taught multi-instrumentalist and producer Reece Baker. Seamlessly blending disco, funk, soul and RnB, his music is inspired by Luther Vandross, Kashif, Loose Ends and Chic. What I love most about the music of Rayowa is how it transports you to another place. A memory, a dream or a visualization of tropical paradise. His music offers a vibrant and nostalgic experience but also showcases the journey of a dedicated artist bringing classic influences into a modern age. When curating our Best of 2024 vinyl compilation, In The Sunshine was the perfect choice to close out another brilliant chapter in The Disco Express story.
Check out the latest release from Tom Lilly (The Disco Express).