v.a.: our music our culture vol. 2
Francisco Espregueira
From its humble beginnings in 2000, conceived by the visionary Afronaut and Mark Force of Bugz In The Attic, Co-Op emerged as more than a club—it became a crucible for a movement. With residents like Phil Asher, Demus, IG Culture, and Dego, the Sunday nights at Co-Op were sonic rituals, where dub sirens echoed alongside lyrical acrobatics and the roots of black sound system culture met the future. Now, Cooperation Records, birthed from these very ethics, continues this legacy with Our Music Our Culture. This series, beginning with a groundbreaking digital-only compilation, showcases the genre's evolution, highlighting how Co-Op's pioneering 'broken beat' has transcended its niche, influencing everything from funky house to jazz soul. The latest installment, Our Music Our Culture Vol. 2, stands as a testament to this, featuring exclusive tracks from Domu's Sonar's Ghost, Mark Force's Blakai & Lady Alma Horton project, and collaborations with Joe Armon-Jones, Ben Hauke, Don Kamares, Wipe The Needle, Bruk Rogers, and Soulparlor—a vibrant tapestry of artists pushing the boundaries.
At the heart of Co-Op's enduring influence lies a profound sense of community, a force that propelled broken beat onto the global stage. This spirit of collaboration and innovation is embodied by COOPR8, the online network founded by Bopstar and Afronaut in 2007. It's a space where futuristic DJs, producers, and designers converge, nurturing tomorrow's talents while attracting established artists from around the globe. Our Music Our Culture is a celebration of this community, showcasing how a genre, born from a club act, has become a dynamic force, accessible and relevant to a wider audience. The record reflects a journey, a continuous evolution, and a testament to the enduring power of creative collaboration. Available on vinyl & digital, courtesy of CoOperation Records and BBE Music.