This morning, the sun has never shone so brightly. Rotterdam-based musician and producer Arp Frique is welcoming MailTape in his colourful world!

Niels Nieuborg, the genius mind behind Arp Frique, has been actively involved in the Dutch live music scene for years before embarking on his own project. The Arp Frique alter ego is a reference to the sound of the Arp synths and Chic’s famous song ‘Le Freak’, showing his love to disco. After several very well received EPs and a first album “The Colorful World of Arp Frique” released in 2018, the exotic and funky producer is back in October 2021 with “The Seed”, a new invitation to travel in his joyful universe.

Arp Frique’s selection

Jan Hammer - Crockett’s Theme (Miami Vice)

Arp Frique: ” I have a lot of dreams at night. Some nice but many are heavy, processing the horrors of the world and challenges in my life. “I never promised you a rose garden” my grandma used to say and that’s what it is. This synthesizer masterpiece is perfect for a transition from gloomy and moody awakening into a positive mindset, realizing it’s all a game this life, or whatever it is. And it takes me back to one of the golden eras of TV, back when watching TV was still a thing and there was actually good and honest stuff on there. “

Admas - Anchi Bale Game

Arp Frique: ” To follow the first one up, this Ethiopian synthbanger will lift you up and literally energizes me. Even makes me wanna jump on the synths right away and create. So many beautiful records that are seeing the light of day again thanks to reissue labels, this one stands out for me. There is even a bit of humor for me in here, as if the lead synth is pranking you with it’s staccato theme. Stevie Wonder-ish it sounds to my ears.. “

Pieces Of A Dream - Warm Weather

Arp Frique: ” Such a sweet, silky, smooth and even sexy jam from this funk band that mostly recorded harder fusion jams. Although their music is instrumental, this time they added vocals courtesy of Barbara Walker (plus Dexter Wansel on synth). It is one of my fetishes, making synths sound sweet and organic through all their digital glory. Herbie Hancock is a master at this as well, so in love with his music. Plus george Duke, Suzanne Ciani, a few others. I borrow a lot from their approach to synthesizers. “

MailTape’s selection

Arp Frique - La Vérité (Feat. Mariseya)

Jules: ” Taken from one of Arp Frique’s first EP “Minima Bem Li” which is loosely based on his long-standing Cape Verdean connection, this track features sweet french vocals from Mariseya aka Marissa Nyamekye. The pace is slow, perfect for a gentle awakening. “

Grupo Pilon - Liberdadi

Jules: ” Now it’s time to do some physical exercises! Grupo Pilon is another example of the richness of Cape Verdian music. This band formed in Luxembourg in 1986 by teenagers from the Krioulu diaspora was largely unknown at the time. Fortunately, Ostinato Records reissued this gem and allows us to appreciate this blissful synth work and energetic guitar rhythms. “

Aura Safari - Niagara

Jules: ” Realeased earlier this year, this track from the Italian Jazz Fusion quintet Aura Safari is an emotional masterpiece. Trippy energy gives way to softness but the invitation to travel remains. “

Florence Adooni - Mam Pe’ela Su’ure

Jules: ” Mam Pe’ela Su’ure” is a typical Frafra-Gospel Hymn, this typical music of the Frafra people who come from the northern regions of Ghana, sung during Sunday services accompanied only with shakers and hand clapping. “

That’s it for this morning! As always, thank you so much for joining us. Much love to Arp Frique for his energizing Sunday selections, and many thanks to Noémie Dijon for this episode’s brilliant illustration !