{"title":"Kokoroko","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"kokoroko-tuff-times-never-last-pink-vinyl-lp-record","title":"Kokoroko - Tuff Times Never Last - Pink Vinyl LP Record","description":"\u003cp\u003eImpressed Recordings is proud to partner with global powerhouse label, Brownswood Recordings, on a powder pink, worldwide exclusive of the amazing new album from London jazz giants, Kokoroko. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet for release on July 11th via Brownswood Recordings, ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ is a spirited and vibrant collection of songs serving as an optimistic reminder to tightly hold and embrace the many dualities that occur in life. Over the course of the 11-song suite, the album explores togetherness, community, sensuality, childhood, loss and above all perseverance. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially drawing inspiration from a viral social media meme, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said of the title’s origins and meaning: “It’s true! Although we’re reflecting on joy and celebration, you realize that a lot of that beauty comes out of challenges and difficulties. It felt like a natural truth that we discovered whilst writing”. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying artwork was painted by Luci Pina, the acclaimed illustrator whose work has been sought and commissioned by the likes of The Cut, Soho House, DICE, Apple Music and It’s Nice That. Embedded within the image is Kokoroko’s ode to London in the summer. Speaking on its design, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: “The remit was summer in London, family and sense of everyone being in a congregation-like audience, and us being the musicians”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artwork’s imagery and colour was inspired by feelings of innocence and nostalgia -  coming of age in London and those rare summer nights where everything felt full of hope. The cityscape also pays homage to Spike Lee’s 1994 film ‘Crookyln’ and Rick Famuyiwa’s 1999 opus ‘The Wood’. The band saw these movies as heartwarming representations of black family, community and resilience that served as a balm for them as Londoners. Speaking further on this, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said: “‘Crooklyn’ is very emotional, but also very uplifting. It felt like how I grew up. This album is us sharing our own feelings, hopes and dreams. We didn’t always have those stories in the UK”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree years on from their debut album ‘Could We Be More’ which peaked at No.30 on the UK Albums Chart and received acclaim from The Guardian, The Telegraph, Financial Times, Jazzwise, CRACK Magazine and Downbeat Magazine, ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ sees the London band with careless abandon expand their wide-ranging palette and influences. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the afrobeat jazz of their previous work is still a core part of the record’s sonic design, the new album largely pulls from British R\u0026amp;B from the 80s, neo-soul, West African disco, bossa nova, lovers rock and funk. Sonically taking cues from the likes of Loose Ends, Don Blackman, Common, Sly \u0026amp; Robbie, William Onyeabor, Patrice Rushen, Ofori Amponsah and Cymande. Throughout this instinctive evolution, the septet's seasoned musicianship preserves the essence of who Kokoroko are as masterful jazz artisans. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpeaking on the band’s progression in sound, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: “Innately, we’re jazz musicians but we've tried not to kind of box ourselves into one sound. So there is a level of freedom we're starting to feel. We want to continue being as creative as possible without feeling any boundaries”. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unveiling of the new album comes alongside the LP’s lead single ‘Sweetie’, a tantalising first taste of the new record that bridges the gap between where the band has been and where they’re going. A tribute to the playful bond between lovers, ‘Sweetie’ is a horn-led and wonky-sounding tune saluting West African disco. It expands upon the band exploring more electronic sounds and toying with obscure drum machine and synth sounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePressed to powder pink, with individually number obi strip, this is limited to 300 records worldwide. Includes pullout poster by artist Luci Pina. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrack list:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSide A\u003cbr\u003eNever Lost\u003cbr\u003eSweetie\u003cbr\u003eCloser To Me\u003cbr\u003eMy Father In Heaven\u003cbr\u003eIdea 5 (Call My Name) [feat. Lulu.]\u003cbr\u003eThree Piece Suit (Feat. Azekel)\u003cbr\u003eSide B\u003cbr\u003eTime And Time (Feat. Demae)\u003cbr\u003eDa Du Dah\u003cbr\u003eTogether We Are\u003cbr\u003eJust Can't Wait\u003cbr\u003eOver \/ Reprise\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kokoroko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52546805661980,"sku":"KOTUTINE7806","price":79.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/6066\/8345\/files\/kokoroko-tuff-times-never-last-pink-vinyl-lp-record-6346096.jpg?v=1752583371"},{"product_id":"kokoroko-could-we-be-more-vinyl-lp-record","title":"Kokoroko - Could We Be More - Vinyl LP Record","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"10\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eKokoroko\u003c\/em\u003e's \u003cem data-start=\"13\" data-end=\"31\"\u003eCould We Be More\u003c\/em\u003e is a vibrant, soul-stirring debut album that blends Afrobeat, jazz, and R\u0026amp;B influences into a rich tapestry of sound. Led by the London-based collective, the album captures an infectious sense of joy, rhythm, and cultural pride. Tracks like \"Age of Ascent\" and \"We Give Thanks\" highlight their mastery of both groove and lyrical depth, while their signature horn section adds a lively, almost celebratory energy. It’s an album that invites listeners to not just groove, but reflect on themes of community, identity, and belonging—showcasing Kokoroko's unique ability to make music that feels both timeless and modern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrack list:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e   \u003c\/strong\u003e       Tojo     \u003cbr\u003e          Blue Robe (Pt.I)     \u003cbr\u003e          Ewa Inu     \u003cbr\u003e          Age Of Ascent     \u003cbr\u003e          Dide O     \u003cbr\u003e          Soul Searching     \u003cbr\u003e          We Give Thanks     \u003cbr\u003e          Those Good Times     \u003cbr\u003e          Reprise     \u003cbr\u003e          War Dance     \u003cbr\u003e          Interlude     \u003cbr\u003e          Home     \u003cbr\u003e          Something's Going On     \u003cbr\u003e          Outro     \u003cbr\u003e          Blue Robe (Pt.II)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kokoroko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52848147497244,"sku":"KOCOWEBE8085","price":49.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/6066\/8345\/files\/kokoroko-could-we-be-more-vinyl-lp-record-2736153.jpg?v=1756322610"},{"product_id":"kokoroko-tuff-times-never-last-vinyl-lp-record","title":"Kokoroko – Tuff Times Never Last - Vinyl LP Record","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description rte\" data-product-description=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInitially drawing inspiration from a viral social media meme, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said of the title's origins and meaning: 'It's true! Although we're reflecting on joy and celebration, you realize that a lot of that beauty comes out of challenges and difficulties. It felt like a natural truth that we discovered whilst writing'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrack List:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e1: Never Lost\u003cbr\u003e2: Sweetie\u003cbr\u003e3: Closer to Me\u003cbr\u003e4: My Father in Heaven\u003cbr\u003e5: Idea 5 (Call My Name) [feat. LULU.]\u003cbr\u003e6: Three Piece Suit (Feat. Azekel)\u003cbr\u003e7: Time and Time (Feat. Demae)\u003cbr\u003e8: Da Du Dah\u003cbr\u003e9: Together We Are\u003cbr\u003e10: Just Can't Wait\u003cbr\u003e11: Over\/Reprise\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kokoroko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53175309762844,"sku":"KOTUTINE8554","price":65.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/6066\/8345\/files\/kokoroko-tuff-times-never-last-vinyl-lp-record-2191029.jpg?v=1760615561"},{"product_id":"kokoroko-get-the-message-vinyl-ep-record","title":"Kokoroko - Get The Message - Vinyl EP Record","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe four-track EP represents Kokoroko's first new music since 2022's spectacular debut album 'Could We Be More'. The single 'Three Piece Suit', featuring Nigerian vocalist Azekel, indicates a continuance of the London-based jazz ensemble's embrace of Afrobeat, funk and reggae influences.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrack list:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSide A\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigher\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweeter Than\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSide B\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy Prayer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree Piece Suit (feat. Azekel)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","brand":"Kokoroko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53778667929884,"sku":"KOGETHME9638","price":59.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/6066\/8345\/files\/kokoroko-get-the-message-vinyl-ep-record-8752216.jpg?v=1769263213"},{"product_id":"kokoroko-live-at-metropolis-rsd-2026-vinyl-12-ep","title":"Kokoroko - Live At Metropolis - RSD 2026 Vinyl 12\" EP","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKokoroko recorded live at Metropolis Studios as part of the Revive Live Campaign from Jack Daniels and the Music Venue Trust. 4 songs recordeded live to vinyl exclusively for Record Store Day 26.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kokoroko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53895829258524,"sku":"KOLIATME10077","price":64.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/6066\/8345\/files\/kokoroko-live-at-metropolis-rsd-2026-vinyl-12-ep-1735706.jpg?v=1770793027"},{"product_id":"kokoroko-kokoroko-ep-12-vinyl-record","title":"Kokoroko - Kokoroko EP - 12\" Vinyl Record","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is not idle music!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLondon has long been a hotbed for experimentation for music from West Africa, and it’s into this global-local story that we can situate London’s newest afrobeat innovators: Kokoroko. In the 40’s World War Two veteran Ambrose Campbell and his West African Rhythm Brothers, were enticing Soho music lovers with sweet palm wine sounds. The following decade, a young Fela Kuti (and his Koola Lobitos outfit with drummer Tony Allen), would jam with Campbell, and the seeds for his global Afrobeat revolution were sown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDrawing as much from nightlife, the musical influences of West African Pentecostal churches, jazz and Western classical, its both in the middle of and beyond this mix of influences that Kokoroko’s self titled EP takes shape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA precursor to their album, “it’s an honest capture” of the band’s progression and a stunning introduction to their sound.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The afrobeat-inspired eight-piece drop their hotly-anticipated debut. A horn-fuelled, soul-shaking introduction to the young collective. Their first solo release after featuring on London jazz primer We Out Here\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e. Kokoroko are part of the thriving scene that’s grown out of London’s young, jazz-influenced musical circles. Led by bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey, their self-titled ep is the group’s first solo release, following their early 2018 debut with 'Abusey Junction', a track that has gone on to accrue over 15 million plays on youtube and 2.6 million on Spotify. Across the EP’s four tracks, the eight-piece deliver on the promise of that memorable introduction, offering a bigger vision of their afrobeat-influenced, soulfully-imbued sound, West African roots shaded with inner London hues.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - \u003c\/span\u003eBrownswood Recordings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1LP Black Vinyl Record. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrack List:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel stronger enable-updated-hr-color\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_f3b42b45af666c7b\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-busy=\"false\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSIDE A\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1,0,0\"\u003eAdwa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1,1,0\"\u003eTi-de\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSIDE B\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3,0,0\"\u003eUman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3,1,0\"\u003eAbusey Junction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kokoroko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54086913753372,"sku":"KOKOEP11026","price":47.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/6066\/8345\/files\/kokoroko-kokoroko-ep-12-vinyl-record-6934194.jpg?v=1777961962"},{"product_id":"kokoroko-tempos-dificeis-sempre-passam-indie-exclusive-brazil-marble-vinyl-ep-record","title":"Kokoroko - Tempos Dificeis Sempre Passam - Indie Exclusive Brazil Marble Vinyl EP Record","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKokoroko today announce Tempos Difíceis Sempre Passam, a new remix EP reimagining tracks from their acclaimed album Tuff Times Never Last through the lens of some of Brazil's most exciting contemporary artists.  \u003cbr\u003eTranslating the album's title into Portuguese, Tempos Difíceis Sempre Passam reflects both the enduring message at the heart of the original record and the creative dialogue between Kokoroko's expansive musical world and Brazil's rich, genre-defying music scene. The four-track collection brings together a handpicked group of artists whose individual approaches blur the boundaries between a variety of genres and contemporary Brazilian sounds. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo be released digitally and on limited vinyl, the EP also sees the return of acclaimed artist Luci Pina, whose artwork for Tuff Times Never Last is reimagined for this new chapter, creating a visual thread between the original album and its Brazilian counterpart. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeading the announcement is Never Lost (Luedji Luna Remix), available now on all digital platforms. The celebrated Brazilian singer-songwriter brings her unmistakable warmth and emotive vocal sensibility to the track, offering a beautifully understated reinterpretation that deepens the song's themes of hope, resilience and togetherness. \u003cbr\u003eCompleting the EP are three further remixes from across Brazil's vibrant musical landscape. Onome of Kokoroko joins forces with acclaimed guitarist Nyron Higor for a richly textured rework of Da Du Dah, while producer Aleh Ferreira delivers a rhythm-driven reinterpretation of the same track. Closing the collection, Bruno Berle transforms Closer To Me with his signature blend of intimate songwriting, Brazilian groove and experimental pop sensibilities. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTogether, the remixes offer fresh perspectives on Tuff Times Never Last, extending the album's spirit of optimism while celebrating the creative connections between London and Brazil. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrack list:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA1 - Kokoroko - Da Du Dah (Onome Remix Feat. Nyron Higor) \u003cbr\u003eA2 - Kokoroko - Never Lost (Luedji Luna Remix) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eB1 - Kokoroko - Da Du Dah (Aleh Ferreira Remix) \u003cbr\u003eB2 - Kokoroko - Closer to Me (Bruno Berle Remix) \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kokoroko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54293543649564,"sku":"KOTEDISE11530","price":56.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/6066\/8345\/files\/kokoroko-tempos-dificeis-sempre-passam-indie-exclusive-brazil-marble-vinyl-ep-record-3143584.png?v=1783747090"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/6066\/8345\/collections\/kokoroko-tuff-times-never-last-vinyl-lp-record-2191029.jpg?v=1794512186","url":"https:\/\/bondirecords.com\/collections\/kokoroko.oembed","provider":"Bondi Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}