So incredibly, here we are again, the end of another year.

29/12/2023

2023 has definitely had its ups and downs, but there was always new music to help us through. Here at Reel People Music HQ we love music, and there’s something so special in discovering new favourites. Our ‘Year In Review’ takes a look back at the tunes that helped to keep us moving over the last twelve months. 

The year opened with our first single release in January and a debut outing for Dutch deep house team Fouk and their dance-floor re-imagination of Reel People feat. Speech - ‘I Never Knew’. February upped the pressure with 2 singles, including the return of our good friend, Martin ‘Atjazz’ Iveson and his ‘Love Soul’ remix of Opolopo feat. Angela Johnson - ‘Sunshine’. Next up we welcomed the wonderful Boogie Angst of Dutch trio Kraak & Smaak with a deep rework of Reel People & Muhsinah - ‘Something New’.

We finally saw the release of Reel People’s first original album in over 10 years as ‘Love2’ finally conquered the challenges of COVID-19 to see the light of day in March. The album was preceded by the brand new song ‘Everything’s So Crazy’, a collaboration with the wonderful US artist Jill Rock Jones.

Our flagship compilation series, ‘Soulful Deep & Dope’ was back in April alongside a cultured revision of Reel People & Paula - ‘Vibe’ by one of our favourite modern producers, Moods.

Blue Lab Beats brought Spring to a close with a bumpy jazzy rework of ‘Deja Vu’ by Reel People & Raheem DeVaughn, whilst June let Summer peep through the blinds with Opolopo’s Prince-inspired remix of Mothers Favorite Child & Saeeda Wright - Purple Funk.

Originally released on our sister label Foliage Records, ‘It’s Not Right But It’s Okay’ by Risk Assessment feat. Monica Blaire got some big soulful dance love from legendary UK producer Grant Nelson. July also saw ‘Soulful Deep & Dope Ibiza 2023’ return with an exclusive remix of Portia Monique’s ‘Grace’ by South African house heads Sir LSG & The Bless.

August saw the perfect accompaniment to the sun shining with Opolopo’s deep & soulful remix of Mother’s Favorite Child & Robin S - ‘Tonight’ followed by September’s classy collaboration ‘Home’ by Atjazz & Shea Soul. A Reel People classic from yesteryear got the Michael Gray treatment in October as ‘Can’t Stop’ featuring Angela Johnson made us throw all hands in the air. Everyone’s favourite Dominican, Ezel, was back on RPM in November with his remix of the gorgeous ‘Dance For Me’ by Mothers Favorite Child & Saeeda Wright.

We closed the year off with the first single from a new album dropping in March 2024. Sebb Junior feat. Muhsinah - ‘Special’ (Kaidi Tatham Remixes) is taken from the forthcoming long player, Kaidi Tatham - Fusion Moves. This is one not to be missed.

Alongside our full schedule of digital releases, 2023 saw our busiest year of physical releases for some time. 12” vinyl releases saw the start of our Reel People Music Vinyl Sampler Series with Volumes 1, 2 & 3 delivered. Reel People’s - Love2 album saw an LP, CD and Cassette release, whilst Purple Funk (Opolopo Remixes) got a special Purple coloured 7” Vinyl release.

It’s been a great year for new music, and 2024 will definitely follow suit. 

Keep digging and supporting the artists you love. Buy albums, go to shows, pick up a tee, or just continue to spread the word. 

Wishing everyone a Happy and Soulful New Year.

From Oli Lazarus & everyone at Reel People Music