Our first NMR of 2022 is here! Our latest installment features tunes from The Librarian, juSt b, Tommy Trash, and more.
THE LIBRARIAN – HOWE SOUND / MISS U [CHAPTER THREE RECORDS]
Celebrated DJ, producer, and curator of Bass Coast Festival, Andrea Graham – alias The Librarian – returns to the forefront of bass music with the new double-sided lead single to her forthcoming miss u EP. According to Graham, her latest release, ‘Howe Sound / miss u,’ is an “ode to the rave, to the dance floor, and to the wildly eccentric community of music lovers who were separated over the past two years.” Both singles exemplify her diverse sonic palatte, ranging from thumping drums, footwork, liquid synths, and atmospheric melodies. The full EP is due for release in the spring.
HAWD HITTA – SEE ME (FT. ROGELIO)
HAWD HITTA is an up and coming LA-based electronic artist, DJ, and producer paving his lane with his high-energy and crowd thrashing blend of house and 70’s / 80’s inspired disco. His debut single release, “See Me,” features captivating vocals from triple-threat singer-songwriter, actor, and dancer Rogelio Douglas Jr, who had an electric entryway into the EDM world with his single ‘Better Man’ with Klingande. “See Me” an anthemic piano house track that is reminiscent of the EDM golden era, offering emotive lyrics, warm vocals, an insatiable bassline and blissful piano chords, all building up to a thrilling drop that will have listeners eager to hit the dance floor with good company.
NORB x JUST B – ‘DIFFERENT PLACES’ EP [BEDROCK RECORDS]
Following an impressive start to the year with extended players from Franky Wah and Sasha Carassi, the imprint now welcomes rising Hungarian producer NorB and Toronto-based multitalent juSt b to Digweed’s impressive Bedrock roster. The 3-tracker opens with the title tracks’ haunting vocal mix; a measured slice of underground bliss that puts juSt b’s spoken word front and centre. The monologue style offering is a euphonic mesh of deeply personal lyrics, representing the transition from a place of darkness to a rather hopeful position; existing in perfect harmony with the brooding soundscapes and cosmic synth-work. Reimagining techno’s sci-fi foundations in a more contemporary format, you’ll hear hints of dissonance throughout the track’s 8-and-a-half-minute run-time with a dark, emotive effect. These subtle production techniques are even more apparent in the cut’s instrumental-only counterpart, with hollow percussion and intricate sound design elements dipping and peaking over the rolling bass line. ‘Close Your Eyes’ is the EP’s final offering and presents a similar sonic identity to its predecessor. With intrigue around every corner, it boasts an extended stripped-back break, highlighting the arpeggiated synth riff and juSt b’s echoing vocal chops.
THE ARCHER – NORTHERN STAR [THERE IS A LIGHT RECORDS]
A multi-hyphenate creative, The Archer is a dance-floor virtuoso. Making a prominent first impression on the 2022 calendar year, The Archer debuts “Northern Star” on his very own label There Is A Light. Demonstrating an iron-clad grip on a multitude of sounds from deep house to disco to techno, The Archer is a jack-of-all-trades. Combining intoxicating vocal performances with vibrant productions, The Archer’s unique musical vision is guided by his many sonic influences. Drawing its melodic authority from both house and techno, “Northern Star” is an ephemeral showcase of dance music mastery from the LA-based creative. Swathed in classic melodic flair, The Archer flexes his hand at haunting captivation in his latest offering. Sweet, yet poignant, “Northern Star” is The Archer at his outright best. The track is additionally accompanied by a thoughtful remix from Latroit, crafting a sultry deep house inferno from The Archer’s lustrous original.
TOMMY TRASH – JAGUWAWA [SWEAT IT OUT]
Ever-evolving Australian producer Tommy Trash returns to Sweat It Out to deliver yet another inventive release in the form of “Jaguwawa.” Showcasing his aptitude for versatile production, Tommy Trash presents a euphoric offering capturing hypnotic rhythms and tropical percussion, for a track that is equal parts vibrant as it is uplifting. Melding electro-pop beats with house textures, Tommy Trash has crafted the ultimate sun-soaked hit, with “Jaguwawa” further cementing his place as one of dance music’s premier acts. In tandem with the launch of his brand new label and the release of “Jaguwawa,” Tommy Trash is set to embark on his North American Jaguwawa tour, his first tour in three years. Tickets can be found HERE for the remaining dates.
THOMAS XAVIER – FUNKY SKUNK [PHAROAH PHONIX]
A Knockturnal fav, Thomas Xavier returns with his first official release of 2022 alongside the launch of his own imprint, Pharoah Phonix. The label aims to showcase rising bass, tech, & g house talents alongside his own energy packed music brand throughout the year. “Funky Skunk,” is a weed song primed for the clubs through and through. Thomas Xavier has made himself known for creative sound design, edgy vocals, and rhythmic bass lines. Delivering it’s goodness in a house-music structure it all comes together to capture a riveting sound that’s quickly creating a brand for Xavier.
