VA - Shouts 2021 (2021)

Bradley Zero’s Rhythm Section International imprint curate the second instalment of SHOUTS, a 21 track compilation with a diverse selection of artists whose music spans spoken word, DIY funk, house, techno, trap, indie, RnB and the many sub genres in between. SHOUTS 2021 highlights the dynamic journey and sound of the Rhythm Section International imprint, this time focusing on a global selection of completely new artists. An opportunity to shout about the next generation of musical talent from across the UK, Ireland, US, Middle East, Australia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

“SHOUTS 2021 celebrates the future sounds of Rhythm Section International and explores our intention to diversify what the label is moving forward. The direction and scope of the label has definitely widened. You reach a turning point when you want to explore other sounds that you’re interested in and the beauty of being an independent label has allowed us to do that. The SHOUTS series gives us an opportunity to release so many genres that we enjoy in one hit, and that has fed into our overall growth.” - Bradley Zero

SHOUTS 2021 boasts an incredible selection of a once in a generation type of burgeoning talent. Kareem Ali, praised by the likes of Pitchfork and Resident Advisor for his cosmic house sounds, most notably the Quantum Blackness LP. Crack Magazine cover star - neo-classical artist CKTRL who made a huge impact with his beautiful track ‘Robyn’ earlier this year. GLOR1A and the Yokai the Deity remix for SHOUTS 2021 is rooted in FDM, a dance movement in NYC started from Jamaican culture. James Massiah whose stunning spoken word opens the compilation. Sami who also co-creates NPR’s Code Switch podcast. As well as Klein Zage, Adam Pits, Pookie, and too many more to mention.

The debut SHOUTS compilation released in 2020 was a celebration of 5 years of Rhythm Section, where Bradley and label manager Emily Hill took stock of what the label had achieved, what was happening in the now, whilst also looking forward. The pair had no clear intention of making SHOUTS an annual concept, but curating the debut proved to be such a positive process, allowing them to work more spontaneously on A&R, and it only felt natural to continue. SHOUTS 2021 sees Rhythm Section International cast the net even further due to the pandemic highlighting how simple it can be to connect with people globally via platforms such as Zoom - providing a positive spin on the last 18 months.

“We now have such a global outreach because of how simple it is to jump on Zoom and make connections with people across the world. Before the pandemic we’d mainly wait until we could meet up face to face with people, usually making plans with those who were more localised to our South East London hub. In the past 18 months we’ve connected with artists we wouldn’t necessarily have before and explored new sounds, and that’s been a great thing.” - Emily Hill (MLE)