Slightly Transformed has always embodied something essential in the world of modern music, a label that has become a lighthouse for those seeking the art of re-works, re-edits, and that rare ability to merge disparate sounds into something greater than their individual parts. The imprint was founded by Ash Reynolds, whose keen ear for genre fusion quickly caught the attention of underground tastemakers. But when Reynolds joined forces with Chuggin Edits, a maestro in his own right, the label’s trajectory shifted from promising to iconic. It was the synthesis of two visionary forces who understood that the future of music lay in its past as much as in its possibilities.
Since launching a decade ago, Slightly Transformed has become one of the most productive and – quality wise – most consistent nu-disco imprints around, with a catalogue packed with ear-catching original productions and on-point re-edits. Naturally the label’s founders wanted to do something to mark their first decade, so decided on an expansive retrospective highlighting dancefloor hits, personal favourites and slept-on treats.
There’s plenty to set the pulse racing throughout the 32 action-packed tracks on show, from the tactile, head-nodding ’80s soul transformation that is Basement Love and Tuuwa’s ‘Promise’, and the glossy electrofunk-goes-slow-house flex of Vigi’s ‘Acid Lies’, to the infectious, bass-heavy disco-funk vibes of Chuggin Edits’ ‘Ain’t No Love, Ain’t No Starshine’ and the piano-powered Latin house loveliness of Delfonic’s ‘Hangin’ Tough’. And so it goes on, with highlights continuing to pop up at a furious rate. For proof, check the down-low swamp funk of Oldchap’s ‘What’s The Use’, the funky and chunky house pressure of Kid & Loop’s ‘You and Me’, and the Tiger & Woods-in-dub headiness of ‘Say Goodnight’ by Ash Reynolds. – Juno Download
From its inception, Slightly Transformed operated on a principle that great music doesn’t adhere to rigid boundaries. It flows between genres, whether it’s the deep grooves of House, the sun-soaked atmospherics of Balearic, or the raw energy of Funk. The label became a conduit for re-imagining sounds that were once niche, bringing them into broader, more universal contexts. But it wasn’t just about remixing or re-editing tracks for the dancefloor. It was about creating a new language of sound—one that spoke to the history of these genres while pushing them forward into uncharted territory.
The new compilation, Slightly Transformed 10 Years, isn’t merely a celebration of the label’s longevity; it’s a testament to why it has remained a beacon for both listeners and creators alike. This is a label that has grown by expanding its vision without ever losing its roots. With a roster that now spans a dizzying array of talent, they don’t just offer a catalog—they offer an evolution. You can feel the depth of their influence in each track, the way they’ve been able to stay ahead of the curve, continually setting trends that others can only hope to follow.
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