Little Anthony And The Imperials’ 1965 soulful hit, ‘Hurt So Bad’, is a song that’s been beautifully covered many times over the decades – redesigned, repurposed and sampled by the likes of Grant Green, Nancy Holloway, Philly Devotions and Etienne de Crecy (“Prix Choc”). And now, fresh for 2025, London producer / DJ Dan The Drum has teamed with one of London’s freshest soulful voices, Carmy Love, on an outstanding cover, together creating a gorgeous slice of dance floor soul and celebrating the song’s 60th Anniversary whilst tastefully updating it for today’s soulful party people. The result is a glamorous hip-swaying, finger-snapping groover, executed with the highest class of musicianship, including key wizard Darren Morris (North Street West), Joseph Nesbitt-Larking with his amazing jazz guitar vibes and Carl Davies, who delivers smooth sax performance on this stellar F*CLR release. There is also a series of exciting remixes forthcoming from soul guru, Terry Jones, remixer extraordinaire, Leo Zero, and Disco renegades, North Street West.

From East End London barrow boy to club nights on the Costas, Dan “The Drum” Spalding has DJ’ed alongside the likes of Norman Jay MBE, Dave Lee, Craig Charles, Brandon Block, Ashley Beedle and Huey Morgan and the FAITH crew, to name but a few. Immersing himself since the age of 14 in Funk & Soul, Reggae, Ska, House, Rare Groove and Hip Hop, Dan went on to co-found ‘The Lockdown Legacy’ DJ fundraising events, raising thousands for local and national charities. Dan’s productions include ‘JazzCazz’ – a respectful spin on Coffee’s 1980 Disco classic, ‘Casanova’, with Ronnie Turner and Emma Noble (Supported by Craig Chales on BBC 6Music). In addition he released the massive, ‘UK House Sermon’ – a collab with Stu Patterson and Carmy Love, including remixes from Xpress-2 and North Street West. Dan also hosts his own show on East London’s Totally Wired Radio.

Carmy Love is a rising force in UK soul music, known for her rich, emotive vocals and timeless sound. Launching her solo career in 2021 with the breakout 45 ‘Rebel’ / ‘Thinkin’ About You’ on Big AC Records, she quickly gained support from Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music), Robert Elms (BBC London), and Norman Jay (Soho Radio). Since then, she’s released a string of acclaimed singles including ‘Together Again’, ‘In The Morning’, and ‘Just Came to Dance’, working closely with songwriter Nick Corbin and producer Mitch Ayling (The Milk). Raised in North West London, Carmy has deep musical roots in soul, R&B, lovers rock, and gospel. She has performed with Laville, PM Warson, and the House Gospel Choir, and was a key member of New Street Adventure, contributing to their Acid Jazz debut No Hard Feelings—a modern soul classic.