We’re back with some of our top music picks of the week. Today, we bring you tunes from a brand-new act NXNJAS, Codeko, Sasha Rome, Rich Furniss, and more.
NXNJAS x FELGUK – TRINITY [MUSICAL FREEDOM]
Up-and-coming dance act NXNJAS makes an unforgettable debut with their new brand-new dancefloor weapon, “Trinity.” Joining forces with established Brazilian native and Musical Freedom mainstay Felguk, Andrew Chen and Steven Wright – NXNJAS – give electronic music lovers a taste of their take on House and Brazilian Bass in their first-ever offering. While NXNJAS may be a new alias, half of the burgeoning brand is comprised of industry veteran and Trance titan Shogun (Andrew Chen), who has been blazing through the year with a string of original productions and official remixes. Using their NXNJAS identity, the Asian American duo aims to crank out festival-primed anthems designed to raise heartbeats across the dancefloor.
CODEKO – SAD REALITY FT. CASEY COOK [OPHELIA RECORDS]
In just a few years, Ed Clark, known as Codeko, has worked alongside some of the biggest names in electronic music to build an impressive discography of original works, collaborations, and remixes featuring The Chainsmokers, Oliver Heldens, Adventure Club, Tritonal, Wooli, and Charlie Puth. As he continues solidifying his status in the dance music realm, Codeko returns with a new single “Sad Reality,” alongside repeat collaborator and vocalist Casey Cook. Inspired by personal trials and tribulations, Cook delivers a spirited performance as she voices the heartbroken in their latest stint as collaborators. Known for her captivating melodies and honest storytelling, Casey Cook beautifully applies her vocal prowess on the melodic bass single. Accompanied by an alluring guitar riff and expansive soundscapes, Codeko perfectly transcribes Cook’s lyrics into a dreamy and anthemic production.
SASHA ROME x ARTEMIS ORION x STRIPESS – CRIMINAL [JADŪ DALA]
Continuing his ascent to indie-dance stardom, Brooklyn’s own Sasha Rome teams up with Artemis Orion and Stripess for their collaborative single “Criminal” – the title track to Sasha Rome’s debut EP Criminal. Surveying futuristic soundscapes through a lens of the past, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Sasha Rome makes nostalgic indie disco designed for driving dance floors and living room lounging to boot. Best described as funky cyberpunk, DC-native and Bay Area-based Stripess brings his edgy flair to the forefront of the collaborative effort while LA’s Artemis Orion adds her honeyed vocals to the topline. A laissez-faire house anthem with a healthy serving of groove on the side, “Criminal” is quintessential Sasha Rome.
RICH FURNISS – CATCH A VIBE (FT. L’MARCO)
On the heels of his recent collaboration with Andrew Charles, “All My Love,” New York-based disco and house DJ/producer Rich Furniss returns with an attention-grabbing and groovy gem, “Catch A Vibe” with l’Marco. In line with all Furniss releases, “Catch A Vibe” presents a charming balance between a classic house sound infused with a modern edge. Citing influences from the likes of house legends such as Frankie Knuckles, Armand Van Helden and Derrick Carter, Furniss’ sound shines through in his latest via a crisp, hypnotic percussion, smooth, circulating bass, and smooth synth work combined with the tasteful vocal design that L’Marco lays out.
SAN PACHO – TROMPETA
Born and raised in Croatia, San Pacho is a young, hungry house artist who keeps making the right moves at the right time. Upon launching his brand 3 years ago, he quickly rose through the ranks and signed his productions to coveted labels in the dance music space, including Confession, UKF, Dim Mak, and more. His latest offering, “Trompeta,” marries the sensual flavor of a club-primed house track with Latin-doused mariachi elements. Although not immediately apparent to all, the merging of global cultural components through House and Latin cultural elements through mariachi will give a vastly wider appeal to many millions around the world. This clever blend presents a common ground for folks from many walks of life to let their guard down, relax, and come together.
VRO – RED EYE
Up-and-coming Filipino artist VRO unveiled his powerful debut with “Red Eye.” Best known for his performances and vocal arrangements with acapella icons, The Philharmonic, the young vocalist is preparing to pave his path as a solo artist in the music space. He originally wrote “Red Eye” for a well-known artist, but realized that the song was meant for him as soon as he sang it to himself. Through his lyricism, he was able to find a sense of identity and garnered the strength to come out to the world. He hopes that his story will inspire others to be true to themself and to be an inspiration for the LGBTQ/AAPI community. With his newfound identity, VRO is a star in the making and one to keep an eye on.
