IZIPHO SOUL Records to sponsor Gary Van Den Bussche's Starpoint Radio shows

Commencing on 7th March 2023,  IZIPHO SOUL Records has begun sponsoring Gary Van Den Bussche's weekday lunchtime shows on Starpoint Radio. We thought it would be timely to introduce you to the label if you are not already familiar with it.

Since its inception in 2016, the aim of Surrey (UK) based vinyl label IZIPHO SOUL is to release the finest soul music by independent artists ranging from the unreleased, rare reissues, new music, first time on a 7" vinyl, gospel and few self indulgent 'left field' releases that keep the label's musical palette varied.

The label is 100% independent and owned by Patrick 'The Ear' Biggerstaff. The first two releases were under the name ZIP Promotions (Bryan Austin "What Would Marvin Say?" / "Sunday" and Gregg Jackson "One For The Road" / "Your Love") which is the name of his company, named with the initials of his three sons. By the third release (Melvin Brown "Love Stormy Weather") the name changed to IZIPHO SOUL, which still includes ZIP, but is also inspired by his love for jazz and Pharaoh Sanders in particular and his 1973 album "Izipho Zam". The word Izipho translates in Zulu to 'Gifts' so it seemed appropriate to name the label Izipho Soul as that is the label's gift to the soul world.

The label is artist focussed and rewards them financially. Rather than a standard label design, each artist has their own label artwork, some having unique picture sleeve designs to appeal to collectors. The 86th single has just been released (with #87 and #88 still to be revealed) the label will surpass 100 single releases in 2023. In addition, three CD albums (two from Cornell C.C. Carter and one from Kim Tibbs) and four vinyl LPs (Cornell C.C. Carter, Orpheus (aka Jarrod Lawson), Down To Earth and Kim Tibbs) have been released by the label.

Meaning no disrespect to the many of the other UK based boutique vinyl labels, who also do a fine job in releasing previously unreleased or very hard to find works, IZIPHO SOUL must be regarded as one of the front runners with its range and quality of releases.

Patrick's first exposure to Black Music was as a 13 year old schoolboy in the late 70s/early 80s when the Two Tone movement emerged in the UK (for those not familiar with that scene, it was based on ska and reggae). Gripped by that sound, Patrick explored the Jamaican origins of Ska and then Reggae via David Rodigan's Capital Radio show (London). It wasn't long before he was twiddling the dial on his radio set and finding soul shows by Greg Edwards (Soul Spectrum) and Robbie Vincent on Radio London and he was hooked and his vinyl addiction was born.

The easy part in deciding what to release next is identifying something that passes the personal quality test. Then the long process of tracking down the artist / copyright owner and getting a response and building trust, as let's not forget many of these artists have had bad experiences with unscrupulous label owners in the past and not received a red cent for their work so they are understandably wary. Then the negotiation on licensing begins. Each release is tailored to the artist, whether that be a straight licensing fee or a share in the sales proceeds, but Patrick ensures that the artist is rewarded for their work.

One of the label's three most recent releases is the second single on the label from Australian soul/funk collective The Regime and it was their first single "Never Gonna Stop" in 2021 that, to date, has been one of the most successful releases by the label in terms of sales. I would hazard a guess that they may now have been surpassed by the Kim Tibbs LP and CD "The Science Of Completion" released last year? However, quite rightly, Patrick regards each release as a success as the process of identifying what to release and bringing it to fruition is no mean feat in itself as I am sure that there are many that are pursued that don't end up with a release.

Even though IZIPHO SOUL is seen as just Patrick Biggerstaff, there are many people behind the scenes who's valuable input would not make any of this possible. Mark Allbones at Grand Vinyl Ltd deals with all of the manufacturing logistics and designs the labels along with Roger Williams. Philip Ward masters all tracks and anytime an edit has appeared on vinyl, this is Phil's work, he's the genius of seamless restructuring of tracks, a few fine examples being June Evans' "Sunshine Mix" of "If You Want My Lovin". The extended version of Steve 'Doc' Willoughby's "All My Life" and Jesse Graham's edit of "Love Talk".

Gary Van den Bussche's superb promotional work on selected releases always makes an impact across the radio world and adds a valuable addition to the artist's profile. Mick O'Donnell of Soul Discovery has been a huge influence on shaping Patrick's musical tastes and his contacts across the pond are second to none. Mark Merry and his ground breaking Soul Sermon Starpoint Radio show has supported the label from release number one as has DJ Kool Keith, plus Steve Ripley, Andy Tee and Pete Ratcliffe also provide valuable support, and there are many more including SoulStrutter and SoulAndJazzAndFunk who help promote all releases as they emerge!

The Starpoint Radio sponsorship of Gary Van den Bussche's weekday shows is a very exciting move. Starpoint is Patrick's most listened to station and he feels that as this is a big year for releases it's the ideal vehicle to help spread the word!

IZIPHO SOUL like to keep their release announcements usually until two weeks before they hit the market, the reason for this is to not distract from the current releases wanting to give each record as much time as possible to shine. Although sometimes this doesn't go to plan as they get too excited and reveal something in advance, Carmichael Musiclover's "Bring It Home" as an example.

All label releases (that have not already sold out) can be purchased from the website IZIPHOSOUL.com or from top vinyl dealers such as Simply Soul, Juno and Crazy Beat.

You can explore many of the label's releases on our site HERE

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Gary Van Den Bussche - Promotion Person of the Year 2023

Daytime Starpoint Radio presenter Gary Van Den Bussche runs a radio promotion company called DSG (Disco Soul Gold) and has just been awarded 'Promotion Person of the Year' in the 5th Annual Indie Soul Awards run by  Chris Clay's Soul Cafe Radio in the US. 

Gary started collecting records from the age of 9 in the early 70s, so that's 51 years ago to our reckoning as he was 40 plus VAT last year! His love of soul music was influenced by early UK soul radio pioneers Greg Edwards, Peter Young and Robbie Vincent. At 17 he ran a record shop beneath a book shop called Baker Street Record in London's West End which Gary tells us had many celebrity customers such as Paul Weller, Edwin Starr, Randy Crawford. 

Through another customer, Fitz Brown (who was a DJ at Tramp Nightclub), Gary got his first shot at DJ'ing at the plush Tramp Nightclub in London's West End where he DJ'd at many celebrity events for the likes of  Tony Curtis, The Stones, Rod Stewart, Joan Collins, Georgie Best, Royalty, Tony Hall, Mel Brooks, in fact everybody who was anybody.

When the record shop closed it's doors he started plugging records during the day and DJ'ing at night. Some of his successes included plugging #1 hits for Phyllis Nelson with "Move Closer" and Amii Stewart "Knock on Wood".

His first stint on radio was given to him by Tony Monson on Solar Radio which was a pirate station in those days.

After a few years at Tramp Gary left and worked at  various other venues around the south, Club Musique (Croydon), Sunset (Maidstone), Samantha's (London) and Piccadilly Theatre (London)  supporting The Foundations for three weeks.

He eventually opened his own club at Kent Hall in Maidstone and built up a large following which resulted in opening nights at various other venues around the South East in  Orpington, Gravesend, Ashford, Cheam, Weybridge, Town & Country London, plus many others. Many celebrities attended.

He was introduced to the recording studio by Noah Johnson who taught him how to write and produce songs. Gary's first record release was "Young Free & Single" under Dee Gee (Disco Gary) (a cover of Sunfire) which reached  #1 on John Leech's radio show and several record deals were offered but the first label closed down before pressings started and it was taken by Upfront Records who after promoting it also closed down.

Not deterred, Gary set up Wizz Records and released around thirty singles. He also set up a distribution company, Empire, initially from the back of his car driving around the South East creating a buzz distributing records received and his own white labels and progressing to vans and telesales.

Gary changed direction and bought a Free House Pub in Hever (Kent) which he ran with his ex-wife and family and taught himself to become an award winning chef and eventually sold the pub and bought a restaurant which grew into a chain. 

After a brief 'spell' as a hypnotherapist Gary returned to music and set up DSG. He discovered Newcastle group SouLutions after hearing a demo of "Listen" which they sat on for 8 years before arranging to have it remixed and released.

DSG promotes new releases each week sending them to a mailing list of around 860 which includes radio stations, DJs and media outlets, most end up on radio playlists which results in them entering the UK Soul Chart.

In addition Gary does a lunchtime radio show on Starpoint Radio between 11:00-13:00 GMT as well as his "Get Down Saturday Night Show" geared to the dancefloor which moves to a new time slot of 19:00-2100 GMT from this evening.

Join us in congratulating Gary for the work he does promoting independent soul music for artists and labels.

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

Gary Van Den Bussche [2022-05-03] - Georgie B. Interview [Starpoint Radio]

Gary Van Den Bussche interviewed The Groove Association's Georgie B. (Bromfield) on his lunchtime show today (3rd May 2022) on Starpoint Radio.

His latest single "Living The Good Life" hit the top spot on the UK Soul Chart this week which coincides with the release of the new Stepper's Remix.

A very interesting and upbeat conversation interspersed with some of his music. Georgie, as you will know, was one of the pioneers of Brit funk with his band Second Image who were one of the first UK soul/funk bands signed to a major label. They were signed by Polydor before Level 42 and Shakatak and managed by none other than legendary UK soul radio DJ Robbie Vincent as George relays during the interview. He also enlightens us on why he has decided to go it alone regarding the release of his music. 

All Georgie's music is available on his website check it out!

Thanks to Gary for sending the audio file so that those not tuned into the show can now listen to, and of course thanks to Georgie for his positive vibes.

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Georgie B (right) with Robbie Vincent (centre) and Weston Foster (left) 

at Soul Survivors Awards 2016 receiving 'Best Album' and Robbie collected a lifetime achievement award.

George and Weston were together in Second Image

Rena Scott [2021] - An Interview with Gary Van Den Bussche on Starpoint Radio 23rd Nov 2021

Gary Van Den Bussche's interview guest today on his lunchtime Starpoint radio show was Rena Scott who was profiled on the blog back in Feb. 2021 so rather than repeat what was written there please follow this link for background information and sound files of many of her recordings.

Since the profile was posted in Feb she has recorded another single "So Far Away" released on Izipho Soul in Sep 2021.

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Nigel Lowis [2021] - An Interview with Gary Van Den Bussche on Starpoint Radio 2nd Nov 2021 He

Gary Van Den Bussche's interview guest today was phenomenal UK producer Nigel Lowis. I found it a fascinating interview as Nigel revealed some of the giants of soul music he was worked with over his thirty plus years in the business.

In addition to the interview I've randomly selected a playlist of fifteen of his remixes.

Nigel (born 6th Feb 1959) is a songwriter, producer, remixer from Kent, England who has sold over 16m records. He started in the late 80s in a group called Gun House. He produced his first hit in 1990 with Maureen Walsh (who was previously with Bomb The Bass) on a production of Sister Sledge's "Thinking Of You". 

He co-wrote and produced the Brit award winning album with Dina Carroll, "So Close" and then "Only Human", reaching #2 in the UK album charts.

He then went on to produce a cover of Glen Jones, "Stay" with UK girl band Eternal, which became their first top 10 hit in the UK and US and then produced their #1 hit with "Wanna To Be The Only One", a duet with Bebe Winans.

Other work has included producing the Carole King "Tapestry revisited" album, executive music producer on the BBC Show "The Fame Academy" also producing the #1 hit "Stop Living the Lie" for David Sneddon and the #1 "Fame Academy" album. He co-wrote "The Tracy Beaker theme" for the BBC series Tracy Beaker, which has since been sampled by Stormzy for his new album.

He has played a big part in the dance/house music scene since his career began and continues to arrange and produce with house royalty, David Morales (Kings of House) and together AKA as Disco Juice. The albums are due for release in late 2021.

In the world of Soul and Disco, Lowis has recently produced two backing tracks and wrote one of the songs for the new Spinners album "'Round The Block And Back Again" with Preston Glass and with 20 UK number 1 Remixes to his name.

Over his 30 years plus career he has worked with some incredible people including, Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, Patti Austin, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black, Michael Ball, Bebe Winans, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Carole King, Gene Page, George Benson, The O'Jays, Tom Moulton David Morales, with ABC and BBC TV networks to name but a few.

In 2021 Nigel will be working on several international projects including Trilogy 2020 (Electric Lady) (a multimedia rock project), co-writing a 6 part TV drama series and soundtrack, and remaking the Dina Carroll 30th anniversary box set for 2022 release.

Some tracks he has in the the pipeline include music from Trammps, Candi Staton, Ty Juan, Regi Myrix, Pauline Henry (The Chimes), Delegation, Brotherly Love "Soul City Connection" (which is a  Glitterbox PIR Tribute).

Candace Woodson [2021] - An Interview with Gary Van Den Bussche on Starpoint Radio 26th Oct 2021

Just prior to her live UK appearances and the release of her new single "All I Need (Rob Hardt Mix)" on Friday (29 Oct 2021), Candace Woodson was interviewed by Gary Van Den Bussche (the Parkinson of soul) on his lunchtime Starpoint Radio show today.

During the interview Candace intimated that there would be some surprise additional shows to the two currently scheduled at The Pheasantry, Chelsea 9 Nov and Pizza Express, Birmingham 12 Nov.

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