We’re back with some of our favorite releases of the month. Stream new tunes from Kwesi Arthur, Lopezhouse, Esseks, and more.
KWESI ARTHUR – WINNING FT. VIC MENSA [GROUND UP CHALE]
Following his feature on one of the most notable underground tracks of the year in Yaw Tog’s “Sore” Remix feat. Stormzy, Kwesi Arthur has been steadily turning up the heat on his output all year. The Ghanian superstar teamed up with Chicago rap royalty Vic Mensa for a killer new single called “Winning“. A lilting guitar instrumental building to an explosive, rugged chorus allows the two artists maximum bragging rights, delivering uncut Drill vibes that are sure to resonate at street level from Tema in Ghana to Chicago’s South Side. With his debut full-length project on the horizon, mark Kwesi as one of Ghana’s most thrilling new voices set for international relevance in 2021.
LOPEZHOUSE – ‘VOSTOK’ EP [BEDROCK]
Landing on Bedrock Records once again, underground favorites Lopezhouse are back with two fresh tastes of their enigmatic deep techno sound. Utilizing minimal tech influences while drawing on progressive and rock sounds, the limitless Spanish duo’s newest EP calls on the 1960’s Space Race to showcase the veteran duo’s devotion to creativity and originality. A nod to the Vostock program ran by the Soviet Union in the early 1960s which sent a human to space for the first time in human history, the production on the titular single complements this feat quite well, as the instrumental’s bleeping synth is loaded with reverb and other harsh elements over a steadily driving groove. The EP’s second track ‘Redstone’ takes a different approach, calling on rock influences as a bass and lead guitar set the groove.
XIE – MIAMI [CASABLANCA]
LA-based DJ, producer, and singer XIE is shaping up to be an exciting act to watch. At the intersection of dance music and pop, XIE debuts her delectable new single “MIAMI.” The Chinese-American musician is a certified star whose career has seen immense success in only a short number of years. Back with another house-infused pop romp titled “MIAMI,” XIE is a shining example of the expansive influence the Asian community plays in dance music. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and this infectious new single is a celebration of both her heritage and the unique flair she adds to the dance music industry. Lending her own vocals to her zesty production style, “MIAMI” is a brilliant addition to her already impressive repertoire.
ESSEKS – BOSS LIAR [DEADBEATS]
NYC-based producer and illustrator Esseks is an irrefutable force in dance music. From dance-floor-ready thrashers to emotionally-driven introspective cuts, Esseks is a proven innovator. At the heels of a successful debut, Esseks delivers his decadent sophomore single “Boss Lair.” A brilliant follow-up to its predecessor “Boss Lair” is a moody, shape-shifting track that utilizes melodic bass and spooky hip-hop samples. A mutli-faceted creator, Esseks also draws and paints the art for his releases himself.
CONTRA SCANDAL x SPIRAH – HARD WAY (MUSIC VIDEO) [GRAVITAS]
Three months following the release of breathtaking LP Full Circle, Contra Scandal joined forces with Spirah once again for the music video for their smash hit, “Hard Way“. The single features the duo reflecting on past faults, vowing to stay awake and learn things the hard way. Set in a frozen forest, Contra Scandal conveys raw emotion with masked figures, fire spinners, and live instrumentation.
ALEPH – NOISE FLOOR [RENRAKU]
Following a celebrated lead single “POLYMER”, ALEPH delivers the sophomore single to his debut album EGO DEATH. Back in 2021 with his debut album EGO DEATH released via artist incubator and record label Renraku, ALEPH capitalizes on his recent successes and runs wild with sound on his first-ever LP. Rooted in the free-flowing nature of pure, untouched sound, ALEPH launched the album rotation with the celebrated lead single “POLYMER.” One month following the first release, ALEPH will deliver the second look into the album with “NOISE FLOOR.” A dazzling outline of club-ready rhythms and cutting-edge dance melodies, this ALEPH original is one of his most striking works to date.
