Let The Music Play #6: Alex Stacey’s Picks from DISCO Catalogs Feature Afro-Cuban Rhythms & Baile Funk

Music supervisor Alex Stacey

Alex Stacey is a Los Angeles-based music supervisor currently working for the award-winning firm Neophonic, where he’s been since 2016. At Neophonic, Stacey overseen the music selection for various film and television projects at major studios including HBO, CBS, Netflix, FOX, TNT, Disney+, and Freeform. His recent credits include The Franchise (HBO), The Night Agent (Netflix) Warrior (Max), S.W.A.T. (CBS), Avenue 5 (HBO), and Motherland: Fort Salem (Freeform).

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Stacey attended the University of Southern California, where he completed the Business Cinematic Arts Joint Degree Program through the Marshall School of Business. Prior to joining the team at Neophonic, Stacey worked in talent representation.

“What excites me about music supervision is the unique challenge that each project presents,” he tells DISCO. “Every show or film is it’s own little puzzle to solve and I feel so grateful to play even the smallest part in helping the creative team realize their creative vision.”

For Volume 6 of our Let The Music Play Series (see Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3, Vol 4, and Vol 5), Stacey has specially curated a playlist using only tracks found via DISCO catalogs. It features a diverse mix of tracks, from baile funk to vintage psychedelia to modern indie classics.

We hope you enjoy his picks — let us know if you want to curate the next LTMP!

Music Supervisors, you can access Alex Stacey’s playlist in the Discover Music section of your DISCO account.

Ray Barretto — “Acid” (Concord Publishing)

Starting things off with one of my favorite Afro-Cuban rhythms from one of my all-time favorite catalogs. Great song title, too.

Ebo Taylor — “Eye Nyam Nam ‘A’ Mensuro (Henrik Schwarz Blend)” (K7!)

A legendary producer putting his spin on an Afrobeat classic. What else can I say? A tour de force.

MARIAH — “Shinzo No Tobira” (DearBrand)

I wasn’t familiar with DearBrand prior to this, but so glad I discovered them! So many amazing vintage gems. The unique combination of Middle Eastern and Asian influences blend together beautifully on this one.

Gotts Street Park — “Favourite Kind Of Girl” (Something Outta’ Nothing)

Had a ton of fun digging through the Something Outta’ Nothing catalog. Such a wide range of cool contemporary sounds. Decided to go with the late night vibe from Gotts Street Park.

Natural Child — “Sure Is Nice” (Rollo Grady Music)

I’ve been a longtime fan Natural Child’s carefree and laid-back approach to rock. I consider them to be the ultimate bar band (in the most complimentary way possible) and hope to one day be cool enough to hang out with them.

Sango — “Noite Apos Noite” Feat. VHOOR (Soulection)

I’ve been a huge fan of everything Soulection has been doing for years and was so glad to see them on DISCO. This is a fun Baile funk track from two of my favorite producers — Sango and VHOOR.

Phil Cordell — “Red Lady” (Phoenix Music International)

Another new catalog discovery for me. So many great vintage gems including this psych folk track with the perfect amount of jangle.

Thandii — “It Only Takes Two” (Polyvinyl Records)

I’ve had this fun funky track on repeat since discovering it. Love that throwback late 70's/early 80’s style percussion that will never go out of style.

Karl Hector & The Malcouns — “Kingdom of d’mt” (Now-Again)

What would this playlist be without something from dream team over at Now-Again? While they’re obviously known for their one-of-a-kind vintage catalog, which I could talk about for days, I decided to go against the grain with this newer release that still feels like it captures that funky, worldly, psychedelic sound that Now-Again does so well.

The Ogyatanaa Show Band — “Disco Africa” (Gaga Music)

That organ is so cool!

Touch Sensitive — “Pizza Guy” (Future Classic)

One of my all time favorite electronic tracks containing quite possibly the best synth line of the 21st century.

Lane 8 — “Red Lights” (Feat. Emmitt Fenn) (Familiar Music Group)

Shout out to the Familiar and Involved teams! So many great artists on both of their rosters. Was so glad to have re-discovered this great collab between Lane 8 and Emmitt Fenn — two of my favorite artists doing it. Emmit’s vocals fit perfectly over that Lane 8 production. I’d also like to shout out Emmit’s Spotify bio. Great stuff.

Waxahatchee Feat. MJ Lenderman — “Right Back To It” (Epitaph-Anti-Hellcat Records)

Just a beautiful duet from two indie powerhouses.

Mulatu Astatke — “Tezeta (Nostalgia)” (K7!)

Anybody who has been to a coffee shop in LA has probably heard this one, but for good reason! Pure ethiopian jazz bliss from one of the best to ever do it.

To learn more about DISCO and begin a free trial, click here.

About DISCO

Since 2016, DISCO has revolutionized music and media file management, providing industry professionals with robust tools to manage, share, and pitch music seamlessly. A mission critical software for the world’s music supervisors and trusted by thousands of global teams working across the music ecosystem — including major labels, film studios, and chart-topping creators — DISCO is the leading platform in digital asset management, hosting over 110 million tracks. Built by the music industry for the music industry, DISCO is committed to driving success across the music ecosystem. Learn more at disco.ac.