The current dance music climate would not be the same without The Disco Express and its label boss, Bustin’ Loose! I had the pleasure of chatting with Tom Lilly (aka Bustin’ Loose) about he and the label’s origins, the music, and the future of what The Disco Express has to offer.
Tell me about your musical background. Were you always interested in disco music, and what other types of music have shaped who you are as an artist and producer today?
Hello! Thanks for having me. It’s been quite the journey, I have to say. My musical influences are super varied! When I was getting into music as a teenager I was listening to the likes of Talking Heads, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones then later more indie stuff like Arctic Monkeys, Wild Beasts, and Foals. As an 18-year-old drummer in a band at the time, this style of music really gripped me.
Then, as my music taste grew, I found myself listening to a lot of electronic music; particularly Daft Punk, Justice, and Faithless. I think the turning point was when my Dad shared his collection of Funk & Soul 45s with me. I got into the music of Willie Hutch, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chuck Brown, then adopted the name Bustin’ Loose as my DJ moniker. It led me to explore World music, High Life, Soweto, Jazz Funk, Brit Funk, and Latin among many other styles of music.
Contemporary music by Crazy P, COEO, and Bellaire has certainly shaped my own production. I’m especially inspired by Dave Lee, Michael Gray, Joe Claussell, and Danny Krivit.
How and when did you meet The Disco Express crew? When you started throwing loft parties in 2017, was it always your goal to start your own label?
In 2017, it was never in my mind to start up a record label. The idea started to simmer in my mind in early 2020 when I was on my travels of South East Asia. The fact we went into a global lockdown only sped things up. With nightclubs on hold, I had the time to design all the artwork, set up the label channels, do A&R, and produce music. It was a catch-22 for sure.
I met most of the current TDE crew between 2021-2022 when restrictions were lifted. Whether it be at our own parties, through mutual friends, or simply over email! I met most of them between 2021-2022. Tatiana and I met during one of the TDE nights and I invited Magnolia to play for us in Berlin at KitKat. A lot of the time, the way we’ve met has been quite by luck or happenstance!
Now we are an international crew of 10, hosting events and releasing music around the world!
What are your goals for The Disco Express going forward?
Seven years into The Disco Express, four as a record label, we’ve really honed in on our goals for the future. In the Summer of 2024, we reached our 75th release as a label. It was a real milestone for us and we’re already setting our sights on a century of releases. We have something mega planned!
In addition to releasing great music, we’re ambitious about establishing more resident parties for The Disco Express around the world. At the moment, we have bi-monthly nights set up in London, Paris, Berlin, New York, and Mexico City. By organizing consistent events, people can enjoy the music and feeling of The Disco Express on a regular basis. We want people to dance, be happy, and enjoy our positive vibe in the ever-growing, global dance music community.
As a fan of 70’s labels like Salsoul, Prelude, Casablanca, and Epic, it’s a real goal for us to leave a legacy for the next generation. Imagine in 25-30 years’ time someone flicking through records at their local shop and discovering The Disco Express. We want to influence the world with great, original, soul-infused music. That’s what it’s all about.
Tell us about your five favorite releases on The Disco Express. What makes those tracks stand out?
There’re so many amazing releases we’ve had! The standards are so high. If I had to choose…
Rayowa – In The Sunshine
Oozing with soul, what I love about Rayowa’s “In The Sunshine” is how it transports you to a another world; filled with sandy beaches, crystal blue water and swaying palm trees.
Monsieur Van Pratt – The Power of Music (Art of Tones Remix)
Both the original and remix are sublime. Art of Tones serves up his signature swagger. The guitar and bass are irresistible to the dance. Proper hip shaker.
Magnolia & Sam Karlson – Everybody Move feat. Ron Carroll
Its just so feel good!! Infectiously uplifting! Hard not to feel happy when you hear Ron’s vocals. Disco infused gospel house at its finest. With a direct order to dance!
Luke Delite & Michelle Weeks – Give Me Your Love (Dave Lee Edit)
Such quality music by Luke Delite. The strings, guitar, bass, drums and Michelle Weeks! Straight up disco gold featuring the legendary Dave Lee on the edit.
The Wild Violets – Sunrise
Another signature track from The Disco Express. A fabulous fusion of funk, soul and disco from our resident London band The Wild Violets. I just love the feeling of this track, the song progression, the lyrics and the anthemic chorus. Dr Packer’s remix is also an absolute gem.
Here’s just five, but I must mention the incredible music on the label by: Sparkling Attitude, Generoco, Golden Gate, Luksek, Georges, Ethical Drift, Rikky Disco, Giman & Chic_Ago, Sean Den, Cliff Colada and many more.
What are the top 5 disco/house tracks that you are listening to right now and what are 5 classic disco tracks that stay in your rotation?
Here’s what I am listening to now:
Mad Honey – Time Is On Our Side
Booker T. Jones – Don’t Stop Your Love (Joey Negro Paradise Mix)
The Super Disco Band – Bedside Manners
Skip Mahoney – Don’t Stop Me Now
Classics:
Robin S – Show Me Love (Emmaculate Remix)
The Trammps – Disco Inferno (DJ S Rework)
New Jersey Connection – Love Don’t Come Easy (Mikeandtess Edit 4 Mix)
What’s next for you as an artist and the label? Are there any big releases we should expect to close out 2024?
I’m currently working on my new EP. Its probably some of my best work to date so I’m eager to test it out in the clubs. On NYE we host the 103 at Ministry of Sound and in March we celebrate our 8th Birthday with a string of dates across London, Paris, Vienna and a few more TBA. As a label, we have a lot to look forward to.
In terms of music, on Friday 29th November we’re very excited to be releasing our, much anticipated, Best of 2024 vinyl compilation. Featuring some of our favourite music from the year, Best of 2024 encapsulates the wider variety of music from The Disco Express, delving into musical styles like Funk, Disco, Italo, Breaks, Nu Disco and House.
Its a real weighty release including an international blend of original music by Art of Tones, Doche, Sam Karlson, Magnolia, Luksek, Maryag, Cocktail Cool and remixes by Birdee, Baka G and Moodena.
Pressed on limited edition purple vinyl, Best of 2024 is a meticulously produced gem and one I cannot wait to serve up on dance floors around the world.
Dance music lover, Mid-Century Vintage Shop Owner, Magnetic Magazine Disco & Funk Chart Editor.
