In celebration of World Music Day on June 21st, Monkey Shoulder Whisky has put together a remarkable auditory experience. Combining the best aspects of a vintage record store and a listening bar, Monkey Shoulder Records is a crate-digging paradise featuring legendary DJs, cutting-edge audio technology, and top-notch cocktails at KEF Music Gallery London, accompanied by a selection of vinyl curated by seven of the UK’s most influential record shops.
Monkey Shoulder Records will open its doors on Tuesday, June 17th, in Central London. Renowned grime pioneer DJ Target, night-time RnB singer-songwriter Katy B, and club curator DJ Arthi have assembled an exclusive ‘vibe-only’ vinyl collection for the KEF listening rooms.
Seven distinguished record shops with deep genre expertise have also curated crates that archive musical history. Honest Jon’s (London), Eastern Bloc (Manchester), Klang Tone (Stroud), Strip Joint (Glasgow), Digger’s Club (Cardiff), Sister Ray (London), and Swordfish Records (Birmingham) will provide the soundtrack for this luxurious listening venue.
Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM will also be featured in the lineup, offering a unique selection of global treasures to celebrate their ongoing collaboration ‘Studio Monkey Shoulder,’ aimed at highlighting international grassroots talent.
Monkey Shoulder has crafted exclusive whisky cocktails designed to complement the records carefully selected by the exceptional team of talent and record shops. The innovative menu pays tribute to the country’s most beloved genres, ranging from blues and jazz to hip-hop and pop. This experience engages all the senses — sound, sip, and style are all enhanced.
Stephen Reynolds, Head of Marketing at Monkey Shoulder, stated: “The revival of listening bars and record store culture has motivated us to establish Monkey Shoulder Records. Featuring DJ Target, Katy B, and Arthi, along with various record stores sharing decades of musical knowledge while enjoying exquisite cocktails in KEF’s ultimate listening experience — it’s a must-see for music enthusiasts this summer!”
Hourly listening sessions at Monkey Shoulder Records will occur at KEF Music Gallery London (42-48 Great Portland Street) from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM on Tuesday, June 17th. Interested individuals can sign up via KEF’s website. Availability is limited and subject to capacity.
Katy B
Since her breakout debut ‘On A Mission’ in 2011, Katy B has created late-night club anthems that evoke the golden age of pirate radio, straddling both underground and mainstream scenes. Her vinyl selections reflect her journey as a sought-after vocalist for house and garage compilations, showcasing her passion for pop melodies and RnB-inspired harmonies, which have become trademarks of her crossover sound.
She commented: “Choosing my top ten Monkey Shoulder Records inspired me to pen a new song ahead of my upcoming album! In my vinyl crate, I’ve selected tracks meant for the club (my happy place) along with those offering a rich, sonic experience.”
- Erykah Badu – Gone Baby Don’t Be Long
- Quentin Harris ft. Cordell McClary – Traveling
- Nuyorican Soul – I Am the Black Gold of the Sun (4hero remix)
- Inner City – Good Life
- Madonna – Into the Groove
- The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations
- Soul II Soul – Keep On Movin'
- Tom & Jerry – Maximum Style
- Jazztronik – Samurai
- Groove Chronicles – Stone Cold
DJ Target
Author, DJ, and broadcaster DJ Target’s vinyl selections exemplify his taste-making abilities while tracing his history as a central figure within pioneering grime collectives, Pay As You Go Cartel and Roll Deep. By selecting classic records that evoke feelings of home and community, Target also includes several bass-heavy favorites synonymous with his DJ performances.
DJ Target expressed, “Concepts and spaces like Monkey Shoulder Records celebrate the joy of listening to vinyl — and I'm all for it! With my vinyl background in DJing, nothing beats discovering that perfect record, pulling it from the sleeve, and setting it on the turntable. Just hearing that slight crackle at the start gives me goosebumps!”
- M Beat – Sweet Love
- Pay As You Go – Champagne Dance
- Fish Go Deep – The Cure And The Cause
- Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal
- Lethal Bizzle – Pow 2004 (Forward Riddim)
- Kano – P’s and Q’s
- Bob Marley – Three Little Birds
- Sia – Little Man
- Shy FX – Feelings
- Wookie – Battle
Arthi
Having started her career as a dancer for artists like Beyoncé and Amaarae, Arthi brings an instinctual sense of rhythm to her diverse DJ sets. Her curated vinyl selections delve into her natural affinity for RnB staples she has danced to, the sampled grooves of diasporic favorite Jai Paul, and the pop hits that resonate well during her performances
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In honor of World Music Day on June 21st, Monkey Shoulder Whisky has crafted the perfect auditory experience. By combining the finest aspects of a