As the industry continues to force-feed us uncomfortably seamless tracks, largely lacking the humanity of talent and imperfection, the underground thankfully continues to strengthen its presence at the very same time. Industrial alternative producers and artists like Willie Alex are confidently taking the reigns, and the music speaks for itself.
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Big vibes unite the festival ska set-up and modern production tools, as GhostWriterStevie delivers his catchiest jam yet, with the huge celebratory anthem My Distorted Mind.
Fans of Americana, soft rock, Nashville storytelling and eighties power-ballads will rejoice throughout the humble highs and lows of Echoes and Embers. Bob Berdanier suffers no unwarranted influence from modern trends, and instead writes from a place of real human feeling, creating with skill and understanding, towards precisely what an audience needs and connects with.
Evocative and poignant songwriting intertwined with the precision and escapism of finely-crafted trance – Blip Onskrine explores the weight of technology and the rat-race, with the enchanting dynamic and addictive depth of Overtime Ghosts.
Seamless production from the trustworthy corner of Psyborg – a dreamy summer house jam that’s soothing to lose yourself within. Daydreaming unites gentle layers of female voice, with hazy keys, synths, and a classic lounge groove, to bring us hypnotically into the new season.
A colourful and chaotic new single, already noting close to 100k views in just a few days, and despite its sub-three-minute lifespan, Ani Mori Nuse makes sure to leave its mark. This dancehall re-awakening brings Balkan Ethnic singing to the forefront, and makes for a culture and genre-fusing highlight from this year so far.
Something precise yet ambient – an interesting fusion of retro electronic tones and those that sweep through the space like summertime EDM; all with a female lead that’s breathy to impassioned. John Paolo captures the energy and escapism of longer days, with the intoxicating single Lost In You.
Heartfelt integrity through a stripped-back, evocative acoustic realm. Piano and vocals simply paired, melody and emotion intertwined for something raw, real, and compelling. AD9 starts up an engaging and memorable EP, with the beautifully moving hip hop and RnB-fusing gem Sticking It Out.
From introspective ambient indie to RnB and ethereal afropop – Viveeyan is an artist whose voice and songwriting resound amidst an eclectic, intimate production realm.
All too often our unnecessary billionaires are looked up to, almost as Godlike, but there’s a painful reality to their roles, which needs much more attention. A Billion Buys dreamily and memorably shines light on this truth.
The brilliant Lion Drome continue their climb, this time briefly softening the mood with something sultry, funky, but ultimately dark and intense in its commitment to concept. Featuring lush vocals, expressive and fluid, with long-form verse melodies that descend and satisfy with charm and character, Goodnight Sleep Tight is a compelling taste of the upcoming … Continued
Huge production, heavy atmospheric design and anthemic songwriting – a rapper and artist with a truly uninhibited sense of identity and confidence. Jhaos reaches peak intensity and vibe, with the dark tones, industrial rhythms, and gritty vocal outpouring of NotMe.