From Lagos to Taipei, Studio Monkey Shoulder’s global journey with Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM continues to soundtrack the soul of grassroots music.

Press play on an exclusive playlist curating standout album selections from community-led record stores and spaces that whisky brand Monkey Shoulder and Worldwide FM supported in 2024 as part of Studio Monkey Shoulder. The initiative, launched to spotlight and strengthen the backbone of global music culture, celebrates the spaces where creativity, community, and connection thrive: from record shops and radio stations to DIY collectives. Featuring picks from four unique communities – Digging in India from New Delhi, India; Jazzhole from Lagos, Nigeria; THT Records from Taipei, Taiwan; Technique Records from Miami, USA; and Grub Records from Sheffield, UK – the records are bold, borderless, and brilliantly eclectic, capturing the scenes they proudly represent.

 

 

Selected by Digging in India – New Delhi, India

 

Nishant Mittal aka Digging In India is a music archivist, DJ and record store owner from New Delhi.

Superuna by Bappi Lahiri Presents Runa Laila

“While disco was on the decline in the west, its craze in India was just starting. Inspired by the same, Bappi Lahiri, the king of Indian disco collaborated with Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila to turn her into 'Superuna' and come up with a Hindi language album combining disco, reggae and synth-pop.”

Stuvartupuram Police Station [స్టూవర్టుపురం పోలీసుస్టేషన్] by Ilaiyaraaja

“A fantastic Telugu language film soundtrack by South India's most prolific music director ilaiyaraaja. Shades of breakbeat, disco, electro and beyond!”

Jazzhole – Lagos, Nigeria

Nestled in the heart of Lagos, Jazzhole stands as a revered cultural institution with over 30 years of history. Led by Olakunle Tejuoso and his son Olakunle Junior, Jazzhole has evolved far beyond its origins as a record store, becoming a cornerstone of Lagos’ vibrant art scene. Specialising in black music that spans African and Afro-diasporic genres, Jazzhole is deeply committed to celebrating and promoting local talent and Nigerian music.

Eroya by Faaji Agba

"Eroya is a collective of elder and young musicians based in the heart of Lagos which takes you on a journey dating back from the late 1940s to contemporary Naija grooves - from palm-wine, agidigbo grooves, juju/owambe styles, highlife melodies to afro-funk and afrobeats. Key members includes Sina Ayinde Bakare, son of the legendary maestro Ayinde Bakare the originator of Juju music, Multi-instrumentalist juju singer Fatai Rolling Dollar, Afro-funk tenor saxophonist Prince Eju Oyewole and afrobeat pianist Duro Ikujenyo, a member of Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 band."

Various by Asiko Tito

"Asiko Tito was an ambitious project Jazzhole Records embarked on in the late 90s to capture and promote the rich tapestry of local talent from across Lagos. This 10-track compilation showcases an eclectic mix of sounds ranging from afrobeat and Yoruba-funk to afrofunk, highlife and spiritual jazz. Each track is a testament to the vibrant music scene blending traditional rhythms with contemporary influences to create a unique listening experience that resonates with both nostalgia and modernity. The album features renowned producers and musicians who have made significant contributions to these music genres."

THT Records, Taipei, Taiwan

 

For the past nine years, THT Records has existed in the heart of Taipei, offering music lovers a wide spectrum of genres. We continue to share sounds from every corner of the world with those who connect with us through music.

Built In System (Live in New York) by 魯千千Chien Chien Lu

"Built In System Live In New York is the first ever record to feature Taiwanese vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu's lively performance at Hunter College in NYC, the home of jazz and where he is based. Built In System Live In New York is a work of art based on the debut performance of eight original songs composed by Chien Chien Lu, a rising star in the vibraphone world originally from Taiwan and currently active at the forefront of jazz in New York City."

道火 Tao Fire by 夢東Mong Tong

"道火 Tao Fire not only continues the idea behind their previous work, Indies 印, but also incorporates more local elements such as gamelan music, phin guitar, tabla drums, and Taiwan sisomi. While sampling more sounds from the street of Southeast Asia, including weddings, funerals, and traditional celebrations, Mong Tong again explores different folk sounds around Austronesia. Different to their last Guruguru Brain release Mystery 秘神, Tao Fire 道火 will take us to a land that is both familiar and fresh. Feel the hot, the crowd, humidity, and ecstasy. This time, welcome to Mong Tong's subtropical world."

Technique Records – Miami, USA

 

Technique Records is an independent record store in Miami, Florida, built for music lovers and deep diggers alike. Our 1,675-square-foot space is home to over 15,000 records, 45s, cassettes, CDs, and more. With 75% of our stock being used, original pressings, we specialize in rare new imports and obscure gems you won’t find just anywhere. More than just a record store, Technique Records is a community hub where music and culture come together. We host monthly open decks sessions, book and record signings, album release events, and more.

Joey by Little Beaver

"Little Beaver's music has found its way to 2025 and into the ears of younger audiences when Kendrick Lamar sampled 'Give A Helping Hand' on his latest album GNX. The Arkansas born artist moved to Florida and became a session musician in the 1960s, playing on numerous hit recordings for the Miami Label TK Records. In 1972 he broke through as a solo artist with his release of Joey. The album showcases Little Beaver's multi talents as singer, song writer, and guitarist. His debut album creates a soulful world with unforgettable guitar riffs and blends of funk & blues. Joey is a must have record for your collection!"

Sola by Sola

"The first thing that pops out to you when you see this album is the cover art, instantly you’re intrigued to find out what it sounds like. Sola was originally released in Mexico by RCA in 1971, and was recently reissued for the first time, allowing for new generations to discover it. From top to bottom, the album takes you through a majestical journey into Acapulcan-funk with the blends of different genres like rock, psych, & latin. After the release of this masterpiece, Sola pretty much disappeared from the music scene. Although not much is known about her, her album lives on forever and continues to reach new listeners throughout the world."

Grub Records – Sheffield UK

 

Grub Records is a new Sheffield record shop and wine bar, based just off the bustling courtyard of Hagglers Corner, and is run by a crack team of some of Sheffield’s most active DJs, musicians, and party throwers. Coming up to one year old next month, the shop stocks a constantly rotating selection of DJ friendly records, with second hand collections regularly taken in from some of Sheffield’s best DJs and a constant stream of the best new releases hitting the shelves weekly, with genres covering electro, house, tech house, hip-hop, synth-pop, jazz, and anything else that works on a dancefloor.

Nucleus [Klasse Wrecks - WRECKS056] by Kwake

"Great new breaks/electro EP from stellar local producer Kwake. Four killer cuts of serious dance-floor workouts."

NATURE IS ENLIGHTENMENT (MVMNT001) by Nonna Fab

"Brand new EP from Grub co-owner Nonna Fab, and the first release on his new label, Movement And Soul. A hybrid EP of live instrumentation and synthesized electronics, pushing the organic styles his many parties and events in Sheffield are currently shining a light on."

Find out more about Studio Monkey Shoulder here now.