T.O. has long been respected as a city where emerging artists and DJs could share music few North American cities would embrace. People here immediately soaked up jazz, jungle, house, hip-hop, techno, funk, and loads more. Add to this our massively multicultural population, and, of course, sounds like reggae, salsa, and soca would meet sitar, batucada, and beats galore. But what's truly special about this point in Toronto music history is that the sounds absorbed into our collective consciousness have given way to something entirely new. Producers and musicians have twisted, tweaked, and turned their influences into something all their own, creating work that has grown increasingly confident, original and worthy of regard.

"Listen to the beats of Moonstarr or the hip-hop of Brassmunk", exclaims John Kong, Do Right Music label boss. "They're totally doing their own thing! It's the same with house and someone like Nick Holder ... he has a totally unique sound. We here in Toronto may take all of that for granted, but when people from overseas hear this music, they're like This is different; it's not what I'm used to.' It's totally Toronto."

Witness Required Listening. Born from Kong's desire to showcase some of the quality tunes he was hearing friends make, the collection is a snapshot of T.O.'s club-centric music scene as it stands now. John has ears to be trusted. He's grown with the scene, DJing since the early 90s and turning his love of jazz, soul, house and all things deep into a career that now earns him global gigs and respect. Kong cares about music, not categories. Required Listening features all Toronto artists (with the notable exception of Ottawa's B.A.W. Collective), and covers some seriously diverse musical terrain.

We begin our journey with the instrumental energy of the Quartertones, a five-member hip-hop-jazz-funk band adored for their scorching live sets. Enormously talented musician, vocalist and songwriter Ivana Santilli steps up next with an exclusive mix of "What matters #2," a sweet soul gem featured on her forthcoming second solo album (with the likes of King Britt, Dego, Kaidi Tatham, & Stuart Matthewman). Brassmunk contributes one of the most infectious hip-hop tracks this side of anywhere, "Big", co-produced by Mr. Attic of Da Grassroots. "Bridging the Gap" is the Circle Research crew, joined here by MCs Tara Chase, Aceiks, and Yushin. Watch for their debut album, Mulligan Stew, dropping on Do Right early in 2004! Stunningly original hip-hop head DJ Serious turns in a killer instrumental making obvious why he is one of this country's most in-demand producer/remixers. Fast-rising producer Hand Polished lends the jazz and broken bits with "So Sudden" funkdafied here with a remix by Brighton, U.K.'s Quantic. On a more mid-tempo, minimalist tip is Basic Soul Unit's "Whateva" an instrumental reminding of late 80s Chicago and Detroit. Feeling a related electro vibe is Kaje. Best known in house circles as one half of the Trackheadz, Kaje has long turned out the synthy bass and vocoder action with "Five Minutes of Funk" sharing a taste of his album to come. DNH main man Nick Holder is internationally adored for his deep, signature house ­ over 100 releases strong. "On My Mind" featuring vocalist Sacha, is a soul-drenched stunner, also featured on Nick's fantastic new NRK release The Other Side. Gorgeous is "Terra do Bravo" a traditional Portuguese/Brazilian folk song covered here by Toronto's Pedras Da Rua, and remixed for the floor by Augusta a.k.a. Paul E. Lopes and Patrick Paredes. The B.A.W. Collective (Blissom, Rise Ashen, and Trevor Walker) is feeling a more broken summery vibe, giving us the infectious "Don't Stop". John Kong and Public Transit main man (not to mention Compost recording artist) Moonstarr give us "Future Vision". Originally released on Fluid Ounce, this stuttering, keyboard-infused gem became an underground smash and now finds its place in the T.O. lexicon. Next, hold on to any preconceived notions as self-described Afro-Kraut' singer/songwriter (and rising star) Shawn Hewitt shares the seriously moving "Down With the Ship". Taking us to the "Outro" is a smooth, subtle collaboration between keyboard whiz Jason Kenemy, guitarist Wayne Ogilvie (both of jazz-house band Directions) and Circle Research producer Astro. Easy like a rainy Sunday morning, this moody instrumental can only leave us wanting more.

Required Listening is but a taste of what is being cooked up here in Toronto, a city consciously stepping up to its place at the forefront of a growing global music movement. We invite you to savour it.