daptone – Austin Town Hall

Jalen Ngonda Announces Doctrine of Love

March 3, 2026 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

If you ever come to our DJ sets, you’ll find that there’s a deep love of blues and soul, and there’s a new artist on the scene that I only recently caught onto: Jalen Ngonda. Today he’s announced his sophomore album, Doctrine of Love, and shared the title track from the LP. It’s a classic R&B vibe, working with these swinging melodies, letting his voice soar through the entirety of the track. His vocals are reminiscent of the stuff we heard from early Leon Bridges, but, like many of the traditional tunes, you can almost feel pain in his voice. Daptone will be dropping Doctrine of Love on May 31st.

<a href="https://jalenngonda.bandcamp.com/album/doctrine-of-love">Doctrine of Love by Jalen Ngonda</a>

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Instrumental Jam From The Olympians

December 4, 2025 RayRay Leave a comment

With the passing of the legendary Steve Cropper yesterday, my heart and mind lean into his music and ground breaking guitar style. So no, this isn’t a post about Steve, but more about the passing of the torch for new groups to carry on those oh so soulful sounds. Of course Daptone comes to mind when thinking of modern soul, and this instrumental jam called “Honey Bea” from The Olympians is packed with a slick, soulful groove. This one definitely focuses a bit more on the horns as it slides through an epic 4 minute journey of smoothness and soul vibes. You’ll want to check it out below.

This track is part of a new LP entitled In Search of a Revival, which is due out February 13th. Pre-orders are live now.

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Michael Rault Drops A New Tune

May 10, 2018 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

There’s something in the way Michael Rault is presenting himself during this album cycle; the song’s somehow seem so friendly, somehow connecting with me as if Rault and I were old chums. On this song, there’s a ballad, with hints of a stomp, but the string work really adds that extra something; it’s weird but it takes you from a potluck dinner with friends to a high class soiree where you’re being serenaded by some great undiscovered talent. The accompanying video has a storyline on its own, so enjoy while the song runs in the background. Look for Michael’s new record, A New Day Tonight, which drops next Friday via Wick/Daptone.

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Michael Rault Returns with New Album

March 7, 2018 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Michael Rault, but it’s good to see him back with new music, especially considering it’s a new LP! The first single has Rault throwing out these crazy guitar lines, seemingly walking up a musical staircase, right before he settles back into the natural groove of the track. I love how his voice seems to contrast the heavy stomp crafted by his guitar work; he reaches some notes that I’m pretty sure most of us couldn’t hit. Those out there looking for virtuosos surely will remark at some of Rault’s soloing in this tune, as one should. Look for the new LP, It’s a New Day Tonight, to drop on May 18th via Wick/Daptone. He’ll also be in town for that whole SXSW thing, if you’re around.

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