Phat Phil Cooper

31/05/2026

If you are on the Island this week, you can find me out and about.

30/05/2026

Over the last few months, both myself and Steve KIW have been sharing a few thoughts, observations and experiences from our time around music. Not because we're claiming to have all the answers, but because we've spent a lot of time working with artists, releasing music and learning along the way.

My latest piece looks at something that often sits quietly in the background: music publishing.

If you're making music, writing songs, producing tracks, releasing records or creating remixes, it's something worth understanding. It might not be as exciting as finishing a new track or seeing a release out in the world, but it can have a huge impact over the long term.

I've also included some great insights from Ilija Rudman, Coyote, Danny Ward and Simon Mills, who share their own thoughts on publishing, royalties, catalogue management and why looking after your music matters.

As always, these are simply thoughts and experiences from people who care deeply about music and the people who make it.

Have a read and let me know what you think.

https://www.nunorthernsoul.co.uk/post/the-hidden-life-of-a-song-why-publishing-matters

Publishing is one of the most overlooked parts of the music business, yet it can become one of the most valuable long-term assets an artist owns. In this article, Phat Phil Cooper explores why publishing matters, how it can generate income long after a release campaign has ended, and why artists sho...

29/05/2026

Always a good day when a new release lands.

The latest NuNorthern Soul release, Summer Selections Six, is now out in the world. It's a collection that brings together some of the music we've been championing recently on NuNorthern Soul, alongside a few previews of what's still to come.

If you'd like to have a listen, grab a copy, or add it to your collection, I'll put the link in the comments. And if you're a vinyl buyer, don't forget to ask your local record shop if they're stocking it.

As an added bonus, long-time NuNorthern Soul supporter Gilles Peterson opened yesterday's Worldwide FM show with an exclusive play of Balaphonic's beautiful track Dew Drops, taken from the forthcoming mini-LP Organic Matters, due for release in mid-August.

Not a bad way to start release day.

24/05/2026

Things picking up pace now and I will be on selection duties at the listed venues.

Mondays are my Phat Phil & Friends sessions at Pikes Ibiza and this week it features NuNorthern Soul recording artist Tambores En Benirras aka DJ Gripper who is also celebrating his birthday.

Wednesday morning is over to Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay for the morning session.

Thursday is fun in the sun down at Pomelo Beach, the little chiringuito down at Cala Gració in San Antonio.

Back to Pikes Ibiza on Friday where I will be tucked away playing an eclectic mix of deeper sounds and night time grooves.

And rounding this week off I will be warming things up on Saturday at 528 Ibiza on the outdoor stage.

Vamos!

17/05/2026

If you are on the Island this week, come and find me.

15/05/2026

Steve KIW’s recent piece on the cost of “free” promos really got me thinking. If you have not seen the post, I will add it in the comments

There’s no doubt that promo culture helps music travel, connect and grow. But behind every download is an artist who has spent countless hours — often days, weeks and months — creating something they genuinely care about.

If you’re someone receiving promos, there are loads of small ways you can support artists and labels beyond simply unlocking the download:

• Chart tracks on Juno, Beatport, Traxsource etc
• Add to your collection on Bandcamp and write a comment about the track, from personal experience this is a massive help, Jason Boardman is a great example of this. I should add this only really applies if you are sent Bandcamp links as promo which we do use time to time.
• Grab a quick video if you’re playing the music out and share it on your socials and tag and the artist
• Mention the music if you’re posting about gigs, radio shows or mixes
• Even a few thoughtful words of feedback can genuinely mean something

One tiny pet peeve from the label side: one-word feedback unlocks like “Nice” or “Lovely”.

We’re always grateful people take the time to listen, but when an artist has poured huge amounts of energy into a release, a couple of sentences about what connected with you goes a long way. It helps artists feel seen, helps labels shape future releases and honestly just keeps the whole culture healthier and more human.

Support doesn’t always have to be financial. Sometimes it’s visibility, encouragement and engagement that keeps independent music moving forward.

13/05/2026

Thanks to Knights Of The Turntable for their interview with George Solar ahead of the release of his Moonbeams in Dub Part One EP end of June.

Always good to see a long form interview and understand the inner workings of the artists I work with.

This forthcoming EP features the remixes of fellow Ibiza resident DJ and producer Ken Fan, and long term label associate in the US, Marshall Watson plus Tribilin Sound aka Alvaro Ernesto, a Peruvian DJ and producer.

Ahead of the 'Moonbeams In Dub Part One' release, we caught up with Ibiza-based producer George Solar and chatted about all things downtempo, Ibiza and more.

28/04/2026

More rambling and wittering from me over on the NuNorthern Soul blog.

Running a record label from 2000 to now—vinyl, challenges, lessons learned and why physical releases still matter.

27/04/2026

All day long...

Like the mix? Click the [SHARE] ↻ button so more people can hear it please! Follow me on Soundcloud: More info: linktr.ee/PhatPhilCooper