Monkey Shoulder Records x KEF Celebrate World Music Day 2025

To celebrate World Music Day (June 21st), Monkey Shoulder Whisky is kicking the week off with a curated ultimate listening experience.

On Tuesday, June 17th, Monkey Shoulder Records will fuse the best elements of a record store and listening bar to create a crate-digging playground featuring DJ legends, state-of-the-art audio technology and premium cocktails at KEF Music Gallery London.

Highly respected grime pioneer DJ Target, dubstep queen Katy B, and dancefloor filler DJ Arthi have curated an exclusive 'vibe-only' vinyl collection for the KEF listening rooms. These spaces are kitted out with premium, high-fidelity architectural speakers and subwoofers, and one even houses KEF's flagship MUON loudspeakers.

Moreover, seven legendary record stores have each curated crates based on love, sweat and years of music knowledge. From hip-hop to grime to deep electronic beats, Honest Jon's (London), Eastern Bloc (Manchester), Klang Tone (Stroud), Strip Joint (Glasgow), Digger's Club (Cardiff), Sister Ray (London) and Swordfish Records (Birmingham) will provide the soundtrack to the luxe-listening bar spot.

Gilles Peterson's Worldwide FM is also on the star-studded line-up, providing an exclusive pull of global gems to celebrate their ongoing partnership, 'Studio Monkey Shoulder,' designed to spotlight international grassroots talent.

Hourly listening sessions at Monkey Shoulder Records will occur at KEF Music Gallery London (42-48 Great Portland Street) from 12.30pm to 5.30pm on Tuesday, June 17th. If you miss your chance to experience a daytime session, DJ Target and Arthi will hit the decks in the evening, from 6.30pm until 9.30pm, and exclusive access is based on a first-come, first-served basis for the lucky attendees.

Naturally, Monkey Shoulder has crafted exclusive whisky cocktails to pair perfectly with the records expertly chosen by the super-selector team of talent and record shops. The innovative menu pays homage to the country's most-loved genres, from blues and jazz to hip-hop and pop. We're told to expect a "full-sensory experience."

Stephen Reynolds, Head of Marketing at Monkey Shoulder, told StereoNET:

The resurgence of listening bars and record store culture has inspired us to create Monkey Shoulder Records. Having DJ Target, Katy B and Arthi, alongside a host of record stores, sharing centuries of music knowledge whilst enjoying delicious cocktails in KEF's ultimate listening experience – it's a must-visit for music fans this summer.

To discover DJ Target, Katy B and DJ Arthi's top ten tracks,head to the Monkey Shoulder YouTube page now.

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