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Albums | Aruna refreshingly bridges the gap between modern pop and punk in ‘Good Guy’
Posted by VMan on November 26, 2023
Closing the year with a resounding bang, Aruna unleashes her latest single, ‘Good Guy,’ a brilliant and anthemic ode to the raucous pop-punk sound of the 00s. The track’s raw and unrefined approach perfectly aligns with Aruna’s buoyant DIY style, while the deliberately rough and fuzzy production adds a rustic charm that complements the singer’s distinctive musical personality.
‘Good Guy’ encapsulates a pop-punk aura reminiscent of a vintage Taylor Swift hit, with Aruna effortlessly crafting melodies that linger in the mind. The song navigates the complexities of relationships, presenting a classic narrative of finding the right guy and breaking free from a vicious cycle. It boldly flirts with the boundaries of a straightforward pop-rock anthem while incorporating influences and nuances from modern pop stars, creating a sonic fusion that is uniquely Aruna.
Albums | Blinky Bill Shares New Single “Dracula”
Posted by VMan on November 24, 2023
Multitalented producer, artist and DJ Blinky Bill from Nairobi, Kenya, has just released his latest musical creation, the electrifying single “Dracula”. This African hip-hop anthem not only showcases Blinky Bill’s exceptional talent but also carries a powerful message of empowerment and social consciousness. The single is accompanied by an equally remarkable music video directed by CJ Pixels.
With an impressive track record and a career spanning over a decade, Blinky Bill has proven himself as an artist of great influence. He is renowned for his work as one of the driving forces behind the electronic music and arts collective Just A Band, where he contributed to three albums. As a solo artist, Blinky Bill has already released two critically acclaimed albums, We Cut Keys While You Wait and Everyone’s Just Winging It And Other Fly Tales. And fans can expect his upcoming album, We Cut Keys 2, at the top of next year.
Blinky Bill’s collaborative spirit has allowed him to work with notable artists such as Nneka, Goldlink, Sampa The Great, Childish Gambino and Chance The Rapper, among others. He has also graced the stages of renowned events worldwide, including SummerStage NYC in 2019, TED 22 in Vancouver, Afropunk in South Africa and Paleo Festival, showcasing his versatility and captivating performances.
Blinky Bill’s latest single, “Dracula”, exemplifies his unwavering commitment to creating thought-provoking music. Speaking about the track, Blinky Bill explains, “‘Dracula’ is about standing up for yourself and speaking up for others in need of a voice.” The song’s poignant lyrics and energetic beats serve as a rallying cry for empowerment and change.
The genesis of “Dracula” came about serendipitously. Blinky Bill stumbled upon the song while working in the studio with his collaborator, Dillie. The track’s sample hook resonated deeply with him, evoking a sense of frustration and a need to address the world’s current state. In his own words, Blinky Bill shares, “It felt like a song that made me want to open up and talk about my frustration, which I think is indicative of other people’s frustrations on the state of the world right now. There’s a lot of feelgood music when many people aren’t feeling good. Reminded me of how Bob Marley used to talk about so many things going on around the world, happy and sad.”
Bass | Ren Zukii Signed-Exclusively To WAKAAN Goes Hard On ’10 Hour Shower’
Posted by VMan on November 17, 2023
“10 Hour Shower,” by Ren Zukii, is a sonic narrative easy to return to again and again. Each moment turns heads and holds one’s attention. Inviting others in and making a pure moment for those who have a taste for bass. It’s a track that pushes the boundaries of the genre, a bold exploration of what’s possible.
From Margaret River in Australia, her life story up to this point has been like a stepping stone that, with a much determination and a little luck, fostered great things for the DJ/producer. She was moved by drum and bass at the age of 12, which cemented her journey into music. By 18, she knew how to DJ which only expanded her since of electronic music culture as well as her love for it. At 21, she attended the famous SAE Institute school and the rest is history.
This single is a rich tapestry of sound, reflecting Zukii’s sense of style and how she contributes to the greater bass scene. The influences of Ivy Lab, Eprom, Alix Perez, and Flying Lotus are evident, yet the track retains a unique identity.
In this latest release, Ren Zukii reaffirms her place in the electronic music landscape. “10 Hour Shower” is a fiery expression of her passion for music and a clear indication of the exciting directions her sound is taking. Zukii is both putting herself out there while influencing the future of experimental bass.
House | Riordan Releases Catchy ‘Needle On The Record’ Single Via Gorgon City’s Label REALM Records
Posted by VMan on November 14, 2023
Released via REALM Records, Gorgon City’s label, the fasting-rising talent Riordan has revealed “Needle On The Records,” after teasing it at several festivals in 2023. Influenced by genres like house and UKG, this single builds in cultural cues that will catch the attention of the listeners while grooving to the infectious beat paired with it. Using samples from the original 80’s release, this single is a multi-faceted fascination easy to return to again and again.
The song is one of his most successful to date and gained the nod of approval from names like, Mau P, Gorgon City, Seb Zito, Joshwa, Kyle Watson, and many others.
Riordan shares more about the release:
“This song idea actually started when my Dad sent me the original Needle On The Record track from the 80s, suggesting that the vocal had potential to be made into something new. I had just come back from my first Miami Music Week and was full of inspiration so the ideas started flowing immediately. But this song taught me that good things come to those who wait. It was six months and seven versions of the song later when I finally felt like I had nailed it. That’s the longest it has ever taken me to finish a track, but it was worth it. I sent it to Realm immediately knowing that it was the perfect home for it, and everything seemed to fall into place. “
From headlining Night Tales in London to teeing up for an epic 2024, so much is going right for this artist, and then some. Only 21 years old and a looking at a huge, bountiful future in front of him, Riordan is easily described as one to watch out for.
Albums | Epikker Win Legal Battle, Happily Releasing Long-Awaited ‘VibeKing’ and ‘VibeQueen (Rising High)’
Posted by VMan on November 7, 2023
In October, Epikker, the electronic duo composed of Suniel Fox and Henry Strange, is gearing up to release two new tracks, “Vibeking” and “Vibequeen (Rising High).” Officially released in October, these tracks emerge as a creative output reflecting the duo’s recent confrontations and victories.
Complications arose with the resemblance of “Vibeking” to The Weeknd’s hit, sparking a legal confrontation that threatened to derail their momentum. However, it was this very struggle that brought a new voice into the fold—Luminiah. Her compelling vocals gave new life to “Vibequeen (Rising High),” a beacon of self-empowerment and an ode to reclaiming one’s core.
The essence of “Vibeking” lies in its core—a synthesizer laying down haunting chords, which morph into an expansive sound. This track is less about the storm that led to its creation and more about the hypnotic journey it takes you on. The rhythm is a slow burn; it creeps up on you and wraps around like a velvet cloak, emanating not just sound but emotion and atmosphere.
Then comes “Vibequeen (Rising High),” where the addition of Luminiah’s vocals transforms the track into an anthem of resurgence. Her voice adds texture to the tune, blending seamlessly with the pulsating beats to echo a message of empowerment. It’s easy to imagine this track flowing through the speakers, the bass and her voice entwining to lift the room into a collective high.
Together, these tracks aren’t trying to tell you a story—they’re inviting you to feel one. “Vibeking” captures a mood, a moment of deep reflection, while “Vibequeen (Rising High)” seems to answer back with a triumphant call to rise above.
Epikker’s journey might have shaped these tracks, but the music stands on its own, inviting listeners to find pieces of their own stories within its layers. As the release date approaches, the anticipation isn’t just about hearing from Epikker—it’s about experiencing the immersive world they’ve created, one beat at a time.
Electronic, Pop | Kindur Follows Up BBC Support With Release Of Upbeat Single’Loner’
Posted by VMan on October 27, 2023
Kindur, the pseudonym of Chris Durkin, an artist who seems to understand the zeitgeist of the current age, translating it into a sound that’s as old as Manchester’s cobblestones yet as fresh as morning dew.
While Durkin’s earlier tracks found a rightful home on platforms like BBC Introducing Manchester, it’s “Loner” that truly positions him on the cultural map. On the surface, it might come across as just another dark pop track with electronic undertones. But, as one dives deeper, there’s an intimacy to the narrative that calls back to the personal anthems of a bygone era.
What’s immediately captivating about “Loner” is its authenticity. Culled from the marrow of personal experiences with manipulative relationships, Durkin chooses to voice his own lyrics. The result is a sonic tale of vulnerability, authenticity, and catharsis. The track seamlessly melds a haunting melodic passage with fiery guitars and propulsive synth lines, creating a sonic landscape that’s both evocative and entrancing.
In an age where music often feels commodified, Kindur’s “Loner” reminds us of the transformative power of a genuine narrative. It’s shows Manchester’s age-old tradition of producing sounds that aren’t just heard but felt. And as Kindur charts this new course, one can’t help but feel that he’s not only telling his story but, in many ways, echoing the whispers of his roots.
Albums | Australian artist ZUSO drops “Hold Me”
Posted by VMan on October 19, 2023
ZUSO is a project from Australian producer Gabriel Cuenca, who is crafting an invigorating atmospheric-house sound that can be likened to a mix between Rufus Du Sol, Lane 8 and Flume. Today he is back with his latest offering with new single “Hold Me”, which is being released via indie imprint LOVE CLVB and it’s a mellow vibe. Soothing atmospherics and escapism are two reoccurring themes found in most of ZUSO’s music and it’s the perfect vibe for a rainy day. Tune in above now!
“I wrote the beat quite quickly and then I found the vocal sample in this sample-pack that I remembered using ages ago for one of the first ever demos I made. It just had such a nice chilled and gentle vibe which I really loved. I wanted the song to give off this wholesome calming energy and the ‘Hold Me’ vocal fits that tone perfectly. It definitely has the escapism feel to it as well, which is a common theme I base a lot of my music off. I then added some nice emotionally driven chords and pads along with a nice guitar riff just to add to that feeling, and yea hopefully it’s something you can all relate to and enjoy.” ~ ZUSO