Tom Lilly (aka Bustin’ Loose) heads up The Disco Express, the London label that is fast gathering momentum and gaining a reputation for being one of the UK’s leading all original disco imprints. With a passion for warm soulful music and supporting rising artists, we get the chance to have a little talk with the main man fresh off the release of the ‘Summer Heatwave’ compilation.

WWD: It seems like The Disco Express has been around for a long time. How long have you guys been putting out records? 

Hi! Thanks for having me. TDE’s been releasing records since September 2020. 

WWD: What number release is this for you? 

Now we’re up to ninety releases including 10 vinyl records. In October, we’ll hit a century which is exciting.

WWD: What were you doing musically before you set up the label?

Prior to the label launch in 2020, The Disco Express operated as a monthly club night at a former train station. That’s where the brand got its name. Beginning in March 2017, we hosted the globe’s biggest names in house and disco in a 200 cap NY style loft.

WWD: What was your first release out on TDE? 

September 2020. It was a VA release called ‘Disco Ride’, composed of four producers in the disco scene: S.D.S, Soundsmith, Pete Maxey and myself Bustin’ Loose.

A few months before that, us four put out a charity VA on Fresh Take Records to raise money for the NHS. It ended up raising a decent amount of money for charity! Having got that experience, we decided to use the same format to begin releasing music on The Disco Express.

WWD: You have had a pretty fierce release schedule; you must be constantly working on the one! How do you keep up this momentum? 

With a release schedule like ours, it’s key to plan long into the future. Right now, we’re booked up to 7 months in advance; with a release dropping every 2 weeks. 

Our standard is pretty high, we maintain this momentum by nurturing the talent already on the label, as well as creating innovative compilations that breathes new life into the older catalogue. For example, our much-esteemed XPRESS Remix or Best of series.

WWD: How many releases have been comps alike to your new EP? 

There’ve been a string of compilations akin to our ‘Summer Heatwave’ release. We find compilations are a great way to shine a light on older releases, grouping them by theme. The forthcoming ‘Summer Heatwave’ vinyl is an amalgamation of the most summery music forthcoming on the label; uplifting and soul-infused melodies, perfect for the sunny season.

WWD: What do you love about the idea of a comp and presenting a broad spectrum of music? You could almost play it right through in a set.

I personally love the grouping aspect. I’m not a fan of pigeonholing oneself to a particular genre. Our catalogue is very eclectic, and you hear this in ‘Summer Heatwave.’

There’s Soulful House, Nu Disco, Rap, Breakbeat, Funk, Electronic and even Latin Percussive elements. Furthermore, we’ve compiled the release, so it plays out like an album, telling a story. There’re peaks and troughs throughout and bookended with two brilliant intro and outro songs.

WWD: Alike to party outfit and label force, Toy Tonics, you seem to be heading in the same direction.  What’s going on with TDE party wise right now? 

We’re hosting TDE label showcases every weekend around the world. Currently we have 6 established club residencies in London, Paris, Berlin, NYC, Mexico City, Amsterdam and have parties anywhere from Montréal to Melbourne, Antwerp and Copenhagen.

WWD: Toy Tonics have had a stream of high-profile artists on their label. Are there any high profile artists that you would like to get on board the TDE roster? 

TDE’s artist roster varies across the spectrum, from burgeoning talent to legendary household names. There’re some talented artists we’re working with at the moment but must stay a secret for now 😉

WWD: Can you give us a little overview of the ‘Summer Heatwave’ EP?

Consisting of seven summer sizzlers, ‘Summer Heatwave’ encapsulates the best new music on The Disco Express, perfect for the sunny season. 

WWD: Sounds perfect, we can’t wait to hear! Thanks for the chat 🙂

The ‘Summer Heatwave’ EP is available here