Two releases in and Smiling C are already an intriguing entity. Anthologising selected works of left-field pop seems to be the stall they’re setting out, which is catchy and absorbing in equal measure. Following the Arabic funk rap of Shams Dinn comes A Totally New Sound, compiling the electro soul of Washington DC label Aset from the late 80s.
Headed up by a collective deeply involved in community improvement initiatives, the label aimed to connect motivated adults with some talented young people in the metropolitan area. The three young artists featured on the comp – LaTonya, Treo and Whax – were coached by O Jabbo, who would prepare demos made by the Aset Players then conduct rehearsals until they were ready to record.
The label’s first artist to emerge was LaTonya, an 11 year old who sung about divorce, love, dancing and gossip and soon became the poser child of the label. With a talent for lyricism beyond her years she expressed something relatable to her peers and presented it in a way that touched adults with leftfield sensibilities. ‘Dance Time’ is melodramatic, melancholic and melodious in equal measure. Pop music for the open-minded.
A Totally New Sound LP is out 28th May – buy from Piccadilly and Juno.
