DAM SWINDLE TRANSLATED THE OLD FASHIONED INTO MUSIC WITH THE FIRST MONKEY SHOULDER RECORDS EP TITLED ‘CAN’T WAIT’

Amsterdam-based duo Dam Swindle has released Can't Wait, the first EP on the newly launched Monkey Shoulder Records, a label created by the eponymous whisky brand. The release pairs an original track by the duo with remixes from S!RENE, BELLA, and Tommy Chikara, each offering a distinct interpretation of the same source material.

The EP takes inspiration from the Old Fashioned, a cocktail that has long been part of Dam Swindle's rider. Rather than referencing the drink directly, the duo approached it as a creative prompt, drawing from both its cultural history and the atmosphere surrounding it. According to Dam Swindle's Maarten Smeets, researching the cocktail's origins led them to New York, whose house music scene has been a significant influence on the duo's sound.

Alongside the original track, the three remixes expand the project across different musical directions. S!RENE introduces a slower, percussion-driven approach, BELLA shifts the track into a faster house-oriented production, while Tommy Chikara closes the release with a more ambient interpretation. The contrast between the remixes reflects the label's intention to explore how a shared concept can be translated through different genres.

The EP also marks the launch of Monkey Shoulder Records, an initiative that extends the whisky brand's ongoing involvement with music. Following previous collaborations and live events, including last year's 27-hour radio session, the label represents a more permanent step into music production.

Can't Wait is now available on major streaming platforms and digital download stores, alongside a limited-edition vinyl release.