Consistently representing the timeless beauty of drum and bass, blending his own creative prowess with the bare essentials of the genre. American producer jcSubterfuge unites work ethic and passion, for a repertoire that’s impressively eclectic and innovative.
Singles
An immersive and striking introduction to the beating heart of ambient melodic techno. Italian producer and artist RETICULUM captures the essence of euphoric electronic escapism, with the contrasting delicacy and relentless energy pf Obscura.
Introducing a sensational indie pop-rock single, with refreshingly original lyrics, reflective of a unique and hopeful perspective, Lia Marie Johnson’s You Are Whole is an unmistakable gem of an indie track this year, and it releases at perhaps the most perfect time of all.
Ehson Hashemian creates with freedom and precision combined, writing stories that feel laid back but interesting, intentional, and Life Of The Party is perhaps his most mainstream-pop-inspired take on that characterful approach.
Superb guitar play adds a quick-fingered level of skill to an instantly distinct riff. Follow that with sharp, smart vocals, and a long-form melody that’s just as slick and satisfying as the riff, and UK rock outfit STRANGE WOMAN delivers a pretty faultless modern punk-rock anthem, with FAKE VALENTINE.
Reggae’s legend of the times, today’s leading artist and a songwriter with an inspiring degree of passion and kindness at the heart of his process. Azato delivers another gem of an original track, with the full-band set-up, catchy melodies, and poignant conceptual relevance, of Bridges Not Walls.
The track starts off as beautiful, catchy and alluring, but then proceeds through a whole new realm of intoxicating escapism, and that attention to detail, that audience awareness, and GR1FN’s own clear willingness to surrender and submit to the music and the creative process entirely, is what consistently sets his work apart.
Blending world music tones amidst both electronic and organic musicianship, The Baal Shem Tov Nigun is another highlight from the extensive Ari Fraser catalogue, and holds true to a catchy and inclusive groove, loaded with vocal harmonies and a vast sense of calm and contemplation that naturally lights up the space.
Producer and artist Rafael Montecruz, still riding the wave of success from indie hits like Tell Me Why and Someday, continues to highlight his unique blending of emotional songwriting and euphoric dance production, with the Latin flavours and heartfelt intentions of Dime Que Sera De Ti (Alternative Mix).
Striking production and a modern vocal fluidity that’s familiar but fresh – Kaushion backs up a growing repertoire of boldly original takes, with the unforgettable earworm and dark-rap anthem Oh God.
This moment screams out with soulful conviction, and wraps up a genuinely great nu metal song, with perhaps the most intricate and impactful, multi-layered yet purposeful production I’ve heard all season. The song itself is well written and delivered, and the underlying sound-design helps take those natural strengths to even greater heights. No surprise then, that Emotion 8 are drawing in thousands of monthly listeners.
Intense rock songwriting and production aims high and hits the mark once again. Jarad Hara blends the ferocity of metal, with melodic verses and a gripping sense of story. Off With Their Heads is the second track from his repertoire to impress, and it’s a fine example of the creative depth and juxtaposition of his … Continued