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WHAT IS TOY TONICS?
Toy Tonics is an independent music label and culture crew with international artists primarily based in Berlin.
We release music, T-shirts,  posters and a fanzine. And we organize the TOY TONICS JAMS where we spread our style and vibe. Read more…

Kosmo Kint – Groove Religion [TOYT140]

Toy Tonics welcome the first vocalist to their roster! Kosmo Kint – born and raised in NYC to Trinidadian parents and now based in Berlin – brings together the musical heritage of the two cities: the soul of NYC and the dance floor vibes of Berlin. Kosmo joins forces with Mathias ‘Kapote’ Modica and other producers from the Toy Tonics crew to write and produce this debut album that connects Toy Tonics’ signature warm and uplifting disco and house sound with Kosmo’s sensibilities as a songwriter for American R&B, soul and hip hop artists.

Kosmo has a wide musical background. With his grandfather being one of the pioneers of the steel pan alongside Lord Kitchener, Kosmo has been tapped into music from day 1. Attending New York’s prestigious Professional Performing Arts School, followed by the New England Conservatory, he’s had the opportunity to share the stage with musical icons incl. Elton John, Alicia Keys, Winton Marsalis as a backing singer. In 2016 Kosmo left NYC to move to the creative melting pot of Berlin. Writing for Grammy award winning producers such as Michael Malih and David Morales, and electronic artists like Daniel Grunberg and Catz’n’Dogz to name a few, he signed to Toy Tonics shortly after. After four guest appearances on EPs by his fellow Toy Tonics artists, Kosmo now gives us a chance to fully indulge in his very own world with his debut album ‘Groove Religion’.

Together with producers Greg Cerrone, Zac Tenenbaum, Sam Ruffillo, Woz 301, Kapote and more, these 10 songs were recorded in Berlin and New York during lockdown. The lyrics and mood throughout the album remind us how positivity has the power to turn any challenge in a chance, the seemingly bad into good.

Take ‘Invincible’ for example; produced by Sam Ruffillo and Kapote and written in the darkest days of Covid after Kosmo’s breakup – a hymn of empowerment and hope. ‘Fake Love’ on the other hand was produced by the son of legendary French producer Cerrone, Greg Cerrone. Greg and Kosmo go through the type of love they are not interested in: fake love, smelling the gold diggers from miles away. It was written after Kosmo got separated from his longtime girlfriend, who was not only his love but also his songwriting partner. Then there’s ‘Happily Ever After’, which Kosmo felt was his last chance to tell his partner how he felt, apologizing for mistakes he had made and now trying to be a better man. Written from the pain of a broken heart, trying to get another chance.

But what would this wonderful debut album be without all the songs that can turn every boring morning into a house party, instantly making you move and swing. ‘Groove Religion’ is one of them; it doesn’t only give the album its name, but also serves as a reminder of Kosmo’s and Toy Tonics’ maxim: leave your problems behind and get into the groove. Join the Groove Religion and things will get better from here.

Remixes for the album come from David Morales, Atjazz, Kai Alce and more!

Released: 26.05.2023

www.toytonics.de