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Independent hip hop label New Dawn Records have just announced a new partnership arrangement with Australian based distributors Xelon Digital Entertainment with whom they will work together on various forthcoming projects.

Since re-launching in 2019, NDR have released various singles, EP’s and albums by artists from the States, UK and Canada, initially through INgrooves Distribution who subsequently became part of Universal Music’s operation.

In a statement which can be read in full HERE the label acknowledges the support provided by INgrooves while citing the opportunity as “an exciting new chapter in our journey” adding they are “very much looking forward to working with them in the coming years”.

Included in their wide ranging back catalogue is the “Y’All in Meltdown” EP, the remastered classic singles “Y’All Under Surveillance” & “Meltdown” by hip hop crew Belles in Monica, the 2023 album “Cautionary Tales” by award winning New York State rapper Anthony Kannon and producer Frost Gamble, and the compelling “Urban Testimony” by Brooklyn’s Justo the MC and Edinburgh producer Brelstaff.

From 2020 is the phenomenal “Panacea” by London rapper & producer duo Phoenix da Icefire and Husky Brown, nominated for “Best Independent Album” at that year’s AIM Awards, followed in 2021 by “Lead by Example”, London rapper Ramson Badbonez’ debut as a producer. An exceptional first offering on the boards with a variety of heavyweight guest featured artists including Reks, Skyzoo, Ruste Juxx, Recognize Ali, Sleep Sinatra, Justo the MC, Johaz of Dag Savage, MysDiggi, Phoenix da Icefire, Jehst, Micall Parknsun, Kashmere, Dizzy Dustin, Moka Only and many more.

Most recently is last year’s “XVI : Return of the Gods”, the long awaited follow up to “God of Barz” by New Jersey rapper Tru Trilla which featured many of the artists appearing in “Lead by Example” plus Guilty Simpson, Boston’s N.B.S., Julius of Shoe Gang, Lakim Shabazz with production by Tone Spliff, Frost Gamble, LG Roc, DNA Beatz, Jamal Nueve and more. All thrillers, no fillers !!

ALL OF THEM CAN BE HEARD IN ONE PLACE ON THE LABEL’S SPOTIFY PAGE HERE

YOU CAN ALSO WATCH A VARIETY OF VIDEOS ON THE LABEL’S OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE

ALL OF THE LABEL’S RELEASES ARE AVAILABLE AT THEIR OFFICIAL BANDCAMP PAGE

The label have also confirmed that while several projects are currently in the works, new music can be expected soon. Keep up to date with their news over on their official website

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Released today, new single “Fine Line” by Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh producer Brelstaff, taken from the album ‘Urban Testimony’ which released on November 3rd through New Dawn Records and has just been featured on Bandcamp’s front page New & Notable spotlight section.

The album’s entire theme depicts events leading up to, during and following Justo’s curtailed and troubled time studying at Clark Atlanta University some years ago, and the future chosen with lessons learned.  “Fine Line” documents a conflicted mind, weighed down by the expectations derived from a background of faith while straying from the path of opportunity in a rueful narrative.

Brelstaff’s atmospheric soundtrack cuts deep into the concept, and was first broadcast on BBC Radio 1’s Focus Beats programme during the summer.

On APPLE/iTUNES, AMAZON, TIDAL and below on BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

There is also an official video on the label’s Youtube channel

For information about any of New Dawn Records’ releases, visit their official website WWW.NEWDAWNRECS.COM

All media and press inquiries regarding any of NDR’s releases or roster can be sent to ourselves, the label’s in house promotional division. Contact us HERE

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Released today through New Dawn Records, the new album “Urban Testimony” by Justo the MC and Edinburgh lofi hip hop producer Brelstaff.

The entire theme is documented in a deeply personal narrative depicting events before, during and after the Brooklyn rapper’s curtailed and troubled time studying at Clark Atlanta University.  Details unfold of a conflicted mind on a potential escape route to academia straying rapidly on a hedonistic path and the consequences incurred.  While regrets are clear, the spirit of resilience prevails.  Emerging scathed but undaunted and emboldened by second chances, the final scenes present a renewed sense of optimism for the future with lessons duly learned. 

A fascinating and brutally honest account is relayed through trademark slick rhymes and deft lyricism, the art of storytelling set to a suitably atmospheric soundtrack provided by Brelstaff’s blend of soulful chilled lofi hip hop beats and ambient electronica.  Essential listening.

TRACKLIST

  • Don’t Forget The Music
  • Fine Line
  • High
  • Is She ft Preem
  • No Escape
  • Satan’s Grip
  • Falling
  • Dark Room ft DVNA
  • Definition of Love
  • Sunday

Available on all digital platforms including APPLE/iTUNES, AMAZON, TIDAL and below on BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

FULL VIDEO PLAYLIST OF EVERY ALBUM TRACK IS ALSO ON THE LABEL’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Justo will be performing tracks from the album on Saturday November 18th at Deep Dive, Ithaca as a special guest of Anthony Kannon and Frost Gamble for their “Cautionary Tales” album launch event. 

For more information about all of New Dawn Records’ releases and roster, visit their OFFICIAL WEBSITE

All press, media and radio DJ inquiries regarding any of New Dawn Records’ releases and artists can be sent to ourselves, the label’s in house promotional division. Visit our CONTACT page.

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Released today, “Sunday” marks the final chapter of the forthcoming album ‘Urban Testimony’ by Justo the MC and Brelstaff, out on November 3rd through New Dawn Records.

Track by track the Brooklyn rapper narrates his ill fated time attending Clark Atlanta University, documenting the journey which led to a turning point in life.  A fascinating insight of a mind conflicted with regrets, but here also in the latest offering to one filled with hope for the future and lessons learned.

Brelstaff’s soulful cool groove production mirrors the upbeat renewed sense of optimism contained within the trademark slick rhymes.  Scarred but undaunted and emboldened by second chances, the art of storytelling lives on.

Justo will be performing tracks from the album at Deep Dive in Ithaca on Saturday November 18th as a special guest of Anthony Kannon and Frost Gamble at their “Cautionary Tales” album launch event.

Available to stream & download from all major digital platforms including Apple / iTunes, Amazon, Tidal and below on Bandcamp & Spotify

Official video playing on the label’s Youtube channel

All press, media and radio station DJ inquiries about any of New Dawn Records’ releases can be sent to us, the label’s in house promotional division. Contact us HERE

For further details about the label, their roster and releases, visit the official NEW DAWN RECORDS WEBSITE

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The Focus Beats programme airs weekly on both BBC Radio 6 and then repeated on BBC Radio 1. Broadcast through the night, it is a playlist of instrumental music setting a chilled vibe to help with focus, studying or just to relax.

Earlier in the summer the show included several instrumentals already released through New Dawn Records by various artist’s and most recently have done so again, this time “High” by Edinburgh lofi hip hop beatmaker Brelstaff , taken from the album “Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals]” released back in the Spring.

You can listen back to the programme now on BBC Sounds HERE

The album is available to download and stream on most digital platforms including Apple / iTunes and Tidal Music. Also on Bandcamp, Spotify and an entire video playlist on Youtube

The instrumental version of the album was the appetiser to the main course of the full vocal version of “Urban Testimony”, a collaboration with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC, which releases on November 3rd.

Singles “High” and AA side “Falling / Satan’s Grip” have already been released, with “Sunday due out on Tuesday October 10th

There will again be official videos for every track on the label’s Youtube channel, appearing on the existing playlist created for the singles to date.

All information regarding New Dawn Records’ releases and their artist roster is available at their official website www.newdawnrecs.com

All media, press, radio and DJ enquiries regarding any of the label’s releases can be sent to ourselves, the in house promotional division. Our contact details are HERE

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The story continues.  Released today and following on from previous single “High”, AA side ‘Falling’ b/w ‘Satan’s Grip’ is the latest chapter from the album “Urban Testimony” by Justo the MC and UK Producer Brelstaff out through New Dawn Records on November 3rd 2023.

The entire theme documents the Brooklyn rapper’s curtailed and traumatic time studying at Clark Atlanta University.  Carrying the weight of expectations from a household of faith, details unfold of a conflicted mind on a potential escape route to academia straying rapidly on a path to hedonism in a brutally honest account of events and consequences.

A chilled soundtrack is the backdrop for the post-traumatic “Falling”, a remorseful narrative reflecting on the mental and physical impacts incurred, while the gritty menacing strains of “Satan’s Grip” fuel a metaphorical conversation on the risks of dancing with the devil.  Intense, compelling and a certified page turner….  

AVAILABLE ON APPLE / iTUNES, AMAZON & TIDAL. ALSO BELOW ON BANDCAMP & SPOTIFY

There are also official visuals just published on Youtube

All international press, media and DJ enquiries regarding any of New Dawn Records’ releases, including requests to interview artists, have product sent for review, or full quality mp3s sent for radio & set play can be directed to ourselves, the label’s in house promotional division. Our contact details are HERE

All information about the label and their roster can be found at the official website www.newdawnrecs.com

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Prolific Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC releases his new album “Urban Testimony” on November 3rd, a collaborative project with UK producer Brelstaff.

The entire theme depicts events leading up to and including his curtailed time at Clark Atlanta University, a fascinating insight and deeply personal narrative documenting the trials and tribulations which unfolded and led him to a turning point in life.

The instrumental version of the album was released earlier this year, with tracks having already featured on “Focus Beats” broadcast on the world renowned BBC Radio 1 and Radio 6.

Out today on New Dawn Records, the trans-Atlantic duo get their steez on early in this first single “High”, a dope blend of infectious chilled beats which fuel a blissful journey of slick rhymes to the four corners of the mind.  Enjoy the ride. 

OFFICIAL VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

ON BANDCAMP

ON SPOTIFY

Also available to download & stream at APPLE MUSIC, AMAZON MUSIC & TIDAL

For information on all of New Dawn Records’ releases, visit their official website HERE

All press, radio DJ and multimedia enquiries regarding any of New Dawn Records’ releases can be addressed to ourselves, the label’s in house promotional division. Visit our CONTACT PAGE to get in touch.

You can connect with the artists on Social Media :

Justo on Twitter @MC_Justo, Instagram @JustoTheMC & Facebook @JustoTheMC

Brel on Twitter @BrelstaffMusic, Instagram @BrelstaffMusic & Facebook @BrelstaffMusic

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The new episode of Focus Beats was broadcast on BBC Radio 6 at the weekend, and is due to be repeated on BBC Radio 1 this Wednesday.

Produced for the BBC by Reform Radio, the programme features a mix of instrumental lofi hip hop chilled beats, ambient electronica and other soothing sounds designed to assist students focusing on study and also provide a generally relaxing backdrop through the night. The concept will be well known to those familiar with several Youtube and Spotify playlists also designed for that exact purpose.

The programme is also available on BBC Sounds for approximately 6 weeks after first broadcast, so you can listen back to it HERE

Included in this week’s playlist are instrumental versions of tracks by De La Soul, Method Man, Aretha Franklyn and three separate artists with albums either already released or set for release later this year by New Dawn Records

BRELSTAFF “FINE LINE [Instrumental]” Taken from the album “Urban Testimony (The Instrumentals) released in the Spring, the full vocal version of the album, a collaboration with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC, drops November 3rd

Instrumental album on Spotify (also available on Bandcamp, Apple, Deezer, Amazon & Tidal)

Full vocal album video trailler on Youtube

FROST GAMBLE “LONG RIDE [Instrumental]”. This is the instrumental version of a track which will appear on the album “Cautionary Tales” out on October 20th. Another collaborative project between veteran producer Frost Gamble and upcoming award winning upstate NY rapper Anthony Kannon.

The first single “Pitfalls” released in June with the new single “Make It Rain” due out on July 18th

Pitfalls on Spotify (also available on Bandcamp, Apple, Tidal, Deezer & Amazon)

Album video trailer on Youtube

HUSKY BROWN “VEGANITE [Instrumental]” This is the instrumental version of the track which appeared on the album “Panacea”, another joint venture with London rapper Phoenix da Icefire, and which was nominated for ‘Best Independent Album’ at the AIM Awards 2020

“Panacea” on Spotify (also available on Bandcamp, Apple, Deezer, Tidal & Apple)

“Veganite” on Youtube

For further information about all of New Dawn Records’ releases, visit their official website www.newdawnrecs.com

All written media and radio DJ enquiries about the label’s releases can be sent to ourselves, their in house promotional division. Contact details available HERE

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The Focus Beats show, produced by Manchester’s Reform Radio, broadcasts through the night at the weekend on BBC Radio 6, and is then repeated through the week on BBC Radio 1.

With the exponential rise of Spotify and Youtube playlists geared towards specific usage designed to help with studying, focus and relaxation, the UK’s national broadcaster has recently moved into this territory with its scheduling and broadcasting output, initially aired through the night but of course available for playback at any time via its Sounds platform.

This weekend’s edition of the show included the track “Is She [instrumental]” by Edinburgh producer Brelstaff, released as part of his album “Urban Testimony [The Instrumentals]” in April of this year by New Dawn Records.

You can listen back to the full programme on BBC Sounds HERE

You can hear the full album on Spotify, and also watch a full video playlist on Youtube

As was announced on Friday, the full vocal version of the album “Urban Testimony” is a collaboration with Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC, and will release on November 3rd 2023. Three singles will precede the release beginning with “High” on August 1st.

A video trailer was published on the label’s Youtube channel as an early taste of what you can expect

All information about New Dawn Records’ releases is available from the label’s official website www.newdawnrecs.com All media and DJ enquiries regarding their releases can be directed to ourselves, the label’s in-house promotional division. Simply visit our CONTACT PAGE for details

You can connect with the artists on Social Media

Justo on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Brelstaff on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

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June 23rd 2023

Hip Hop label New Dawn Records have today announced the signing of Brooklyn rapper Justo the MC and Edinburgh based producer Brelstaff for the release of their new album “Urban Testimony” on November 3rd 2023.

Justo has been a regular fixture in the eastcoast underground scene for many years, first emerging in 2010 while working with his cousin and producer DJ Vic Black of Gangstarr Foundation.  The video for their joint “It’s Our Year” released in 2011 featured DJ Premier, and the pair would hook up again in 2017 on Justo’s album “Black Ops” produced entirely by DITC’s Showbiz, executively produced and curated by Vic assisted by DJ Premier. 

Since then there has been prolific output through worldwide collaborations including Canadian production team The Lost Info, Brooklyn’s Maticulous, Italy’s Bboy Enea, Nova Scotian DK, the UK’s Remulak and for the first time in 2021 with Brelstaff on their joint “Swagu”.

In  2014 while performing under his born name Daryl Donald, Brel released his debut EP “Kept” and the collaborative album “The Clockwork” with south London emcee Cutta Chase.  The release of his instrumental album “Solitude” in 2017 followed in 2019 by “Behold the Spirit” and “Full Circle” built up his reputation as one of the most respected new emerging underground lo fi hip hop producers from these shores, attracting a total of 450,000 listeners and a million streams on Spotify.

Subsequently having adopted the new pseudonym, he released the self titled “Brelstaff” in 2020, and returned to the public arena in February 2023 with the new joint “Cursive” featuring the legendary Fashawn, followed in April by the release of the instrumental version of “Urban Testimony” through New Dawn, securing play on the BBC Radio 1 & Radio 6 show “Focus Beats” in the process.

The new album documents what Justo  describes as the “arrival at a crossroads from a life defining year”.  A deeply personal narrative which provides a fascinating insight depicting events leading up to and during his curtailed stay at Clark Atlanta University, and he has again turned to Brelstaff to accompany him on his journey.    Beautifully crafted, fuelled by skilful lyricism addressing the core messages of mental health, hedonism, loss of faith, redemption and renewed focus all set to the perfect musical score. The perfect partnership.       

A series of singles will precede the album release beginning on August 1st with “High”.  All will be available to download and stream from major digital platforms including Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon.  Videos for all tracks will appear on the label’s official Youtube channel @newdawnrecords where you can now watch the album video trailer.

All international written media and DJ enquiries regarding the album can be addressed to ourselves, the label’s in house promotional division. Our contact details are HERE while the full album press release can be read HERE

All information about the label is available at their official website www.newdawnrecs.com

Meanwhile, connect with the artists on Social Media 

Justo on Twitter @MC_Justo IG @JustoTheMC & FB @JustoTheMC

Brelstaff on Twitter @BrelstaffMusic IG @BrelstaffMusic & FB @BrelstaffMusic

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