Outplay is a label that focuses on quality over quantity, delivering E.P.s which are perfectly now, but equally are just out there enough to help nudge the scene forward. Italian producers SofaTalk & XL Regular are next up on the Dutch imprint, with their release, Afro Quarters – with that fits perfectly within that brief. With a sound that draws bags of inspiration from the pioneering UK scene, we thought it would be fun to ask them for a chart.

Idea instigated by The Insider. Words and selections by XL Regular & SofaTalk. 

AFRONAUGHT – VITAL INGREDIENT

A masterclass in drum-programming. We re-discovered this record only a couple of weeks ago, but as soon as we heard the opening bars – as big big fans of drum programming – he had to stop, sit, listen, and learn.

BUGZ IN THE ATTIC – SOUNDS LIKE

Amazing tune! We remember hearing this one for the first time on a Broken Beat documentary on YouTube – those who know, know! – and it really blew our minds.

CYBERWORKS – SOUND OF THE DRUMS 

Drum programming for life!

DOMU – FREEDOM U WANT

Pure madness from the king Domu. Listen and learn – there`s nothing else you can do if you produce music.

L’AROYE – SHANGO

We love this tune because it gives you the feeling of a live jam. It`s one of the tracks that made early broken beat sound really different from anything else.

XL REGULAR & FUTURE JAZZ ENSEMBLE – ASTRAL SORCERY

Abstract Jazz meets Broken vibes! The perfect combination.

CONTOURS & WERKHA – SWEAT

One of our favorites of the moment. A modular synth arpeggio and very creative rhythm parts. A milestone record.

WERKHA – GENERATION X 

Werkha has become known for a uniquely eclectic blend of electronics, broken beat, soul and jazz, nestled in an intersection of truly innovative British club music.

SOFATALK – HYPNOTIZE (K15 REMIX)

One of our all time favorite remixes! Bass-heavy broken beats with a 2-step tilt!!

SOFATALK & XL REGULAR – EASY

We couldn’t not include Easy – from the new E.P. We are very fond of this track – it has a great feeling going between us. 

SofaTalk & XL Regular`s Afro Quarters E.P. is out now, on Outplay Records.