HiMom!!! Is an exciting new techno artist who is making their second official release, and it’s an experimental EP fusing old-school breakbeats with the hypnotic euphoria of analogue synths.
The four-track EP also launches HiMom!!!’s new record label Dancing By Myself, and it’s a captivating release with fast-paced techno percussion and mesmerising melodies that pay homage to ’90s trance.
It’s a raw and machine-driven release that combines classic sound design with contemporary production. The shimmering synths will get the hairs standing on the back of your neck, while the pile-driving percussion gets you vigorously punching the air with excitement.
Little is known about HiMom!!! who is a secretive artist that likes to let their music do the talking.
“Come Alive” opens the release with a morphing arpeggio line that swells with ripples of modulation, while a rigid framework of pounding percussion holds the groove steady.
“Starlight” has a pumping groove with a thickset bassline cut by a thumping kick drum. Pulsating pads and rattling hi-hats add to the building intensity that unfolds as the track progresses.
“Breathe” is an ethereal techno track with angelic pads creating an uplifting mood which is underpinned by fast-paced percussion that delivers exhilarating energy.
“Bring Me Out” taps into an old-school rave vibe, with a breakbeat percussion loop and rhythmic vocal stabs leading to the introduction of a euphoric lead synth.
Artist: Boom Merchant Title: Another Dimension Label: Brand New Records Cat. #: BNR012 Format: Digital Release Date: 30.08.2024 Tracklist: 01. Another Dimension 02. Overlapping Auras 03. Hung Out 04. Raptor
La La’s record label, Brand New Records presents a dark and raw techno EP by Boom Merchant.
Many know La La for her radio shows on Rinse FM and BBC Radio 1, and Brand New Records is an extension of her music taste, which combines upbeat percussion with analogue machine funk.
Hailing from Scotland, La La is a product of Glasgow’s thriving underground scene, and Boom Merchant is also well known within the Scottish capital’s techno community.
Boom Merchant is originally from Ireland, but spent many years living in Glasgow where he was resident at the city’s Surge nightclub, when not playing international shows at places ranging from Germany to Japan. He is also an accomplished producer who has released music on labels such as T78’s Autektone Dark, alongside his own imprint Tribal Pulse.
The EP opens with “Another Dimension” which layers breakbeat percussion with a pounding four-to-the-floor kick drum. It’s a gritty track with trippy vocal phrases that repeat the line, “teleport to another dimension,” which is true of this track… if another dimension is a warehouse in an old industrial area of an urban city.
“Overlapping Auras” has beautifully crafted vocal lines layered over a menacing bassline and booming kick drum. It’s a brooding track that unfolds with building intensity, as the captivating groove delivers a relentless flow of energy.
“Hung Out” is a stripped-back cut that layers eerie atmospherics with a lurching bassline. It’s a spellbinding track that has a breakdown signified by suspense building pads, and a sampled horn section. It’s the deepest track on the release, but still delivers a weighty punch.
“Raptor” brings the release to a close with a vigorous groove, which has thickset percussion and a rumbling bassline as its foundation. Muffled vocals and flickering hi-hats add to the track’s murky aesthetic. The track ends with a rising rave synth, and inspirational vocals that add to the powerful momentum of this cut.
Artist: Soela Title: Dark Portrait Label: Scissor and Thread Cat. #: sat068lp Format: Digital, 2 x vinyl Release Date: 06.09.2024 Tracklist: A1. Unsuitable A2. Through The Windows (feat. Francis Harris, Philipp Priebe) A3. Drowning (feat Module One) A4. Dark Portrait B1. Lost In The Fog B2. February Is Not Going To Be Forever (feat. Lawrence) B3. Spirits B4. Even If I Ask You To Stay digital: The Darkest Hour Before Sunrise
Elina Shorokhova a.k.a. Soela has an established background as pianist and vocalist, anyway during the years she shifted her presence on the electronic music scene, while evolving and consolidating her style. Scissor & Thread will publish In the next days her album titled ‘Dark Portrait’, a track selection well curated that spans into electronica, downtempo and deep house, which includes features from Lawrence, Francis Harris and Philipp Priebe. The whole sound lifts the veil on vibrant and introspective music, with the aim to engage and to make a confidential connection with the listener.
“I was dealing with some very complex feelings, so I came up with this album, which helped me not to despair, to work on myself, to grow internally, and to start listening to myself. It helped me to keep sane when my country invaded Ukraine with a full scale war. It absolutely broke my heart, and music was one of my main salvations.” Soela
Sabo’s record label Sol Selectas presents a three-way collaboration between Sabo, Namito and Shamoun who deliver a middle-eastern organic house single. The release also includes an upbeat Afro house rework by Silvano Del Gado.
An American artist living in Los Angeles, Sabo is a visionary and organic house pioneer who has travelled the world as a DJ, and played headline sets at festivals such as Burning Man and Coachella. He and Sol Selectas have helped define what is today known as organic house, and his contribution to this track showcases his skills as a music producer.
Namito needs little introduction to fans of Sol Selectas after the success of his tracks such as “Stone Flower” and “Legend.” He is an Iranian artist living in Germany, and he is a dynamic melodic house producer whose style merges music from his heritage with modern electronic sounds. Alongside his numerous tracks on Sol Selectas, he has also worked with other respected outlets such as Embassy One, Bar 25, Do Not Sit and Selador.
Shamoun is a Middle Eastern musician who adds live instrumentation to this release that incorporates rhythms and melodies from his spice-infused culture.
On remix duty, Silvano Del Gado is an Italian artist from Florence who is a drummer and percussionist turned electronic music producer. Specialising in Afro Cuban drums, his remix adds tribal rhythms to the original in the style he has featured on other labels such as his own DEL GADO REC.
The original mix of “Spicy Sumac” is a moody track that has a throbbing bassline and stripped back percussion forming the foundation of its groove. Trippy atmospherics shroud the Middle Eastern keys and darbuka drum fills played by Shamoun.
Silvano Del Gado’s remix of “Spicy Sumac” works in a new rolling bass and vibrant percussion that lifts the energy of this Afro house version.
Helia Jamali’s cover is a desert dreamscape inviting listeners into a realm of Persian spice and spiritual flavour.
After a few years from his last solo release on Selador Recordings, Steve Parry returns again to the label with ‘Won’t You Believe?’, a small EP that features the original and a remix made by Dachshund. The artist’s development grows song after song, showing off how the evolution of progressive house shapes his trajectory. Steve proved that he could make his mark, sharing a newfound sense of confidence in his style. Thanks to the usage of a vocal sample ‘Won’t You Believe?’ opens up moments of introspection, elevating the fluidity of the instrumental. On the remix side the German dj and producer Dachshund goes deeper: he adds an electro house swing to the bassline, increasing also the importance of melodies through some well crafted synths.
Artist: LEYO Title: Hello Label: Cecille Records Cat. #: CEC060 Release Date: 08.09.2024 Tracklist: 1. Hello (Intro) 2. Don’t Do It 3. Know Your Name feat. Thierry Ganz 4. Open Up The Trunk Do It 5. That Booty x Toman feat. ThierryGanz 6. That’s Why 7. Without You 8. On My Mind feat. Thierry Ganz
Forthcoming on Cecille Records the debut album of LEYO, an underground dj and producer from Netherlands who has a small but alluring release catalog: he gained some of his fame thanks to the contents shared on his Soundcloud account, where he uploaded over the years many bootlegs and a free download EP. Through ‘Hello’ he puts into the traditional publication channels an interesting mixture of house, funk and soulful, including some collaborations with Thierry Ganz and Toman. The true revelation tracks emerge while the playback moves into the middle of the tracklist: ‘Know Your Name’, ‘Open Up The Trunk Do It’ and ‘That Booty’ are the right ones. On these productions the vibe is warm, joyful and intriguing, it also reveals interesting sound combinations and the research of fresh and up to date instrumental patterns.
White Owl Records are a vinyl and digital label based in Brooklyn, USA who have a focus on live and machine-driven techno from its wonderful underground scene.
Drim return to the imprint after beginning its journey by supplying the first release in 2023. The burgeoning New York-based producers deliver their latest EP titled ‘Three Incantations,’ which comprises of three new and varied original works.
“Nectar” has a durable blend of abstract sounds and functional elements, using metallic percussion with a raunchy backing rhythm it creates a magical mix of strange, jackin’ beats with an uptempo feeling and classic vibe rolled into one.
“Circadia” has thumping kick layered with a throbbing sub-bass to add more power. Using a skittering lead synth and angular tonal accents, it later develops into a driving and haunting marathon full of hypnotic tendencies mixed with an acid trip.
“Smelt” kicks straight into a stuttering kick pattern with a funky groove. Its quirky tom rhythm is met with hints of tribal influences, while the swirling synth adds an energetic push amidst the deep and gritty analogue textures to make this an infectious roller bursting with flavour.
Sophia Essel meets the singer Merel Ritsma a.k.a. Meryll for the creation of the single ‘Move’, just released on the well known Toolroom Records. The song is dense and shares strong vibes during the listening: the Essel’s influences are overwhelming while Meryll has been capable to give value to the instrumental in a decise way, as overall the production is dancefloor oriented and summer inspired.
In this interview, we sit down with Alfiya Glow to discuss her latest single, “Infinite Voyage,” a captivating track that showcases her unique blend of classical violin and Electronic music. Alfiya, renowned for her innovative approach and emotive compositions, takes us through the creative journey behind the track, revealing how the rhythmic foundation and tribal-inspired beat came to life. We explore the behind the scenes process of creating this track, its inspirations, influences and explorations, and as we look forward to her upcoming EP, “Leaving Origin,” and future collaborations, Alfiya Glow offers insights into how “Infinite Voyage” aims to inspire and resonate with listeners on both an emotional and musical level.
Hi Alfiya Glow! How are things going? Congratulations on your new track ‘Infinite Voyage’!
Hi, thank you! I am so excited!
When you started working on ‘Infinite Voyage’, which musical element came to you first? How did you build the rest of the track around it?
Opposed to my usual routine, where I often begin with a violin melody or a harmonic structure, the first element that came to me for ‘Infinite Voyage’ was actually the drum pattern. I wanted to create a rhythmic foundation that felt both driving and hypnotic, something that would set the stage for a dreamy, tribal atmosphere. Once I had the drum pattern down, the chords naturally followed, providing a harmonic structure that complemented the rhythm. From there, the violin melody began to take shape, weaving through the track with its romantic and ethereal quality. Each element seemed to flow organically from the rhythm and harmony, building a cohesive and immersive sonic journey.
How did you come up with the title ‘Infinite Voyage’ and what does it signify for you?
The title ‘Infinite Voyage’ emerged from the concept of an endless journey, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. For me, it signifies the perpetual exploration and evolution that we undergo in life. Musically, I wanted the track to evoke a sense of boundless adventure and discovery, capturing the essence of traveling through uncharted territories, not just geographically but also within ourselves. The word “infinite” suggests that this voyage has no definitive end, reflecting the continuous nature of personal growth, learning, and the pursuit of new experiences. This idea resonates deeply with my own artistic journey, as I constantly strive to push boundaries and explore new realms in music.
The track has a distinctive tribal-inspired beat. What inspired this rhythmic choice, and how did you create it?
The tribal-inspired beat in ‘Infinite Voyage’ was inspired by a desire to connect with more primal, elemental rhythms that evoke a sense of community and deep-rooted connection to the earth. I wanted the beat to transport listeners to a place where they could feel the pulse of life in its most organic form, almost like a heartbeat that ties us all together.To create this beat, I started by experimenting with various percussive elements and rhythms. I layered traditional tribal drum sounds with modern electronic percussion to create a unique blend that feels both timeless and contemporary. I also incorporated subtle nuances and variations in the rhythm to keep it dynamic and engaging, ensuring that it flowed naturally with the rest of the track. The process was very intuitive, allowing the beat to evolve as I added other musical elements, ultimately crafting a rhythm that drives the track and enhances its overall atmosphere.
How would you say your Classical Music background shaped the production of this track, especially with the violin melodies?
My classical background significantly shaped ‘Infinite Voyage,’ especially in crafting the violin melodies. The training provided me with a strong foundation in melody and harmony, allowing me to blend expressive, intricate violin parts with electronic elements seamlessly. This classical influence helps the violin stand out, adding emotional depth and sophistication to the track while complementing the tribal-inspired beat.
How do you feel ‘Infinite Voyage’ fits within the broader context of your upcoming EP, ‘Leaving Origin’?
‘Infinite Voyage’ serves as a key piece of the EP ‘Leaving Origin,’ representing the theme of exploration and discovery that ties the collection together. It contrasts with the other tracks which enriches the EP’s overall narrative. While each track on ‘Leaving Origin’ explores different facets of a journey, ‘Infinite Voyage’ encapsulates the sense of boundless adventure and personal growth, creating a cohesive and dynamic listening experience.
Did you experiment with any new production techniques or explore any new sonic territories with ‘Infinite Voyage’?
Yes, with ‘Infinite Voyage,’ I experimented by simplifying my production process, which led to new creative possibilities. This approach allowed me to focus more on the essence of the track and explore fresh sonic territories. By stripping back some complexities, I was able to enhance the clarity and impact of the sounds, resulting in a more direct and immersive listening experience.
How do you hope ‘Infinite Voyage’ will influence or inspire your listeners, both emotionally and musically?
I hope ‘Infinite Voyage’ will inspire listeners by evoking a sense of adventure and personal growth. Emotionally, I want it to resonate as a journey of exploration and self-discovery. Musically, I aim for it to encourage listeners to embrace new sounds and ideas.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Alfiya Glow?
Following the release of my full EP ‘Leaving Origin’ on August 8, 2024, I’m excited to share another thrilling collaboration set to drop in September. Stay tuned for more details on this upcoming project!
In wrapping up our conversation, we thank Alfiya Glow for sharing an insider’s look of her latest release, “Infinite Voyage,” she shared insights into the track’s creation, from its rhythmic foundation to its thematic significance and how her classical background influenced the production. As we look ahead to her upcoming EP, “Leaving Origin,” it’s clear that Alfiya Glow continues to push creative boundaries and explore new musical territories; we look forward to her future projects and the continued evolution of her unique sound.
Artist: Component Title: Plan G Label: Component Cat. #: CMP001 Format: Digital Release Date: 02.08.2024 Tracklist: 1. A Hero’s Journey 2. Still Remember 3. With Me 4. Detroit Fairground 5. Set You Apart 6. Are We Dreaming? 7. On Rotation 8. Taking Off 9. Your Hidden Light 10. Dusk 11. You Don’t Know Grime 12. Anarchy In The IRE 13. Trill
Component is an Irish techno producer who drops a raw and hypnotic album with ethereal vocals.
Currently living in London (UK), Ger Gleeson aka Component has a dark and driving style of techno that combines analogue synths with hard-hitting percussion.
This 13-track album creates its own unique style with ethereal female vocals adding an emotive euphoria, which contrasts with the dystopian vibe and industrial influence of the backing tracks.
Prior to this self-released album, Component’s music has been a feature of respected record labels such as Gobsmacked Records, ITU and Archivio 01. His music has also been supported by influential DJs such as Randomer.
“A Hero’s Journey” opens the release with heavy percussion and bleeping synths that are sequenced into broken rhythms. Next up, “Still Remember” is a trippy track which introduces the vocals that become more of a prominent feature as the album unfolds.
Track three “With Me” is the first with a four-to-the-floor kick pattern, and its stripped back groove orientates around a throbbing bassline and haunting tones of the emotive vocals. “Detroit Fairground” is an eerie track with a menacing lead synth layered over intense percussion.
“Set You Apart” reintroduces the vocals, and nestles them on a backing track made of sparkling synths and unnerving atmospherics. “Are We Dreaming?” lifts the energy with the modulating tones of a twisted lead synth, then “On Rotation” takes things deeper with electric synths and submerged atmospherics.
“Taking Off” lifts the tempo with a hammering kick drum underpinning the soothing tones of the dreamy vocals. “Your Hidden Light” has shimmering synths that build to the epic euphoria of the trance-inspired breakdown, then “Dusk” takes things dark and industrial with its mechanical groove.
“You Don’t Know Grime” is an experimental track that switches between brutal techno and dubstep, then “Anarchy in the IRE” introduces old-school hardcore breakbeats for the penultimate track.
“Trill” brings things to an exhilarating close with mesmerising synths layered over relentless percussion, which combine to deliver a hallucinatory finish.
