Expansion Records

In 1986, Expansion Records dropped its first needle on the UK soul scene. Forty years later, the label stands as one of the most respected independent forces in modern soul, jazz-funk and R&B. What began as a passion project has become a cornerstone of quality music that bridges generations and continents.

This is not a nostalgia trip. This is a celebration of legacy, evolution and the future of real soul music.

Four Decades of Authentic Soul

From the beginning, Expansion set itself apart by focusing on substance over hype. While other labels chased trends, Expansion stayed loyal to timeless artistry. Over the years it has introduced audiences to artists whose voices and grooves endure, proving that true soul never ages.

The label’s catalogue reads like a history of contemporary soul: from Keni Burke and Maysa to Cool Million and countless others who have defined the sound of smooth, sophisticated R&B. Its long-running compilations such as Soul Togetherness and Luxury Soul have become annual markers for what’s hot, heartfelt and essential in the scene.

Collectors and newcomers alike trust Expansion to deliver that unmistakable balance of warmth and class. That consistency is what has made the label’s name synonymous with excellence for four decades.

40 Years Forward

As Expansion celebrates its 40th year throughout 2026, the message is clear: the best is yet to come.

The label continues to champion new and established artists from across the soul spectrum, releasing fresh projects and reissuing timeless favourites with care and integrity. Expect new collaborations, global talent, remastered editions and exclusive vinyl pressings that honour the past while looking ahead.

This anniversary isn’t just about reflecting on what’s been achieved. It’s about reaffirming Expansion’s role in shaping what comes next for independent soul music.

The Sound and the Style: Official 40th Anniversary Merchandise

To mark this milestone, Expansion has teamed up with Graphic Image Designs to release an exclusive line of 40th Anniversary merchandise. Each piece celebrates the label’s identity with a sleek, understated look that reflects its musical spirit.

You can shop the full collection via graphicimagedesigns.com, or explore individual items below.

Zipped Unisex Hoodie

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A soft, premium cotton-blend zip-up featuring the official 40th Anniversary logo. Perfect for gigs, studio sessions or relaxed weekends. It’s unisex, versatile and built for comfort.

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Expansion Tee

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A wardrobe staple that does the talking for you. Clean design, comfortable fit and unmistakably Expansion. Wear your soul pride wherever you go.

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Mug



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Start your morning with a touch of soul. The 40th Anniversary mug adds a hit of Expansion heritage to every brew, making it a perfect gift for fans and friends.

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¼ Zipped Sweatshirt

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Smart, easy to wear and perfect for layering. The quarter-zip sweatshirt carries a subtle Expansion emblem, ideal for those who want to rep their soul credentials in style.

Buying official Expansion merchandise isn’t just about style, it’s a way to invest back into the community that has kept the label thriving since 1986.

The Heart of the Scene

Expansion has never been a label detached from its listeners. It has always been powered by a dedicated community of DJs, collectors and fans who live and breathe the music. That relationship between label and listener is what keeps the culture alive.

The 40th Anniversary year will bring new releases, exclusive interviews, limited-edition vinyl and plenty of opportunities for fans to get involved. Keep an eye on expansionrecords.com and the label’s social channels for announcements throughout 2026.

From its earliest releases to its latest digital drops, Expansion has proven that independent soul can thrive in any era. It has outlasted trends, embraced change and stayed true to its mission: to deliver honest, high-quality music that connects people across generations.

A Toast to the Next 40

As Expansion Records steps confidently into its fifth decade, it carries with it the same principles that started it all: respect for artistry, love of craft and a belief that soul music still matters.

To every fan who has bought a record, streamed a song, worn a T-shirt or shared a track with a friend, this celebration is yours too.

So here’s to 40 years of Expansion Records. To the music, the artists and the loyal listeners who made it all possible.

Put the kettle on, pour it into your Expansion mug, pull on your hoodie and turn the volume up. The sound of the future is still soul, and the label that defines it is still Expansion.

If you’re a lover of real soul music – the kind that stirs the heart and wraps around you like a warm winter coat – Christmas of Emotions is the album you need this festive season. It’s a masterful compilation that gathers some of the most distinctive and emotive voices from the past three decades, each delivering one unforgettable track. From the smooth elegance of Luther Vandross to the honeyed tones of El DeBarge, this collection captures everything that makes soul music timeless and perfect for Christmas.

What sets this release apart is its balance between familiarity and discovery. The title track is a brand-new recording, never previously released, giving even the most dedicated collectors something fresh to savour. It anchors the album with a contemporary sound that still honours the golden era of soul – rich, heartfelt, and effortlessly sophisticated.

The remaining selections are sourced from rare, deleted, or little-known releases, showcasing Expansion’s unmatched ear for quality. This is a label renowned for treating soul music with respect and care, curating tracks not just for name recognition but for their enduring emotional pull. The result is an album that feels both exclusive and inclusive – a treat for dedicated fans and a revelation for new listeners who might only know the mainstream hits.

Producers featured across the album read like a roll call of excellence: Jam & Lewis, George Duke, Rex Rideout, Luther Vandross himself, and The Avila Brothers. Their collective influence ensures the production never misses a beat, whether it’s a lush orchestral arrangement or a stripped-back groove that lets the vocals shine. Every note is meticulously crafted, with warmth and clarity that give the music a genuine, lived-in feel.

The line-up is a dream for soul enthusiasts. Ledisi’s power and control, Patti LaBelle’s unmistakable grandeur, Will Downing’s velvet smoothness, and the classic touch of The Isley Brothers each bring something special to the table. Add to that the emotive delivery of Frank McComb and Rosie Gaines, alongside Rahsaan Patterson’s dynamic energy, and you’ve got a compilation that celebrates not just Christmas, but the very essence of soul.

This is not just another festive collection thrown together for seasonal sales. Christmas of Emotions carries a sense of purpose and passion. Each track has been chosen for its ability to evoke feeling – joy, nostalgia, tenderness, and hope. It’s a reflection of how soul music, at its best, can transform a simple holiday playlist into a deeply moving experience.

Play it once, and you’ll realise this isn’t background music for the season – it’s the soundtrack to it. Perfect for a quiet evening by the fire or the grand family gathering, it brings warmth to every setting. Expansion Records has once again proved that when it comes to curating the finest in soul, their instincts are unmatched.

For anyone who values authenticity and emotion over gimmicks and glitter, Christmas of Emotions is the only festive album that truly delivers on its promise - heart, soul, and spirit, all wrapped up in one beautifully produced package.