This week’s roundup features an Australian invasion with tracks from the likes of SIPPY, 1tbsp, and ZUSO, as well as a few more underground treats to get you through the week.
1TBSP – ‘IT’S VERY LOUD’ EP [SUMOCLIC]
Best known for his work under his alias Golden Vessel, Maxwell Byrne continues developing his new project, 1tbsp. The Australian Grammy Award-nominated artist created this alter ego to give himself the freedom to create and release dancefloor-primed tracks that double as his DJ set staples. Inspired by the likes of certified club vibe curators such as Daphni, DJ Koze, and Four Tet, his latest project, the It’s Very Loud EP, is a collection of light-hearted cuts that don’t take themselves too seriously (case in point: the first track is titled “Four Tet Is My Godmother“). The four-tracker boasts a variety of sounds and moods, from breakbeats to dub to high-energy vocal chops, there’s something for everyone in this little gem of an EP.
SIPPY x DANI KING – FEEL ANYTHING [FMU RECORDS]
Alison Wonderland’s FMU Records continues expanding its flourishing talent-packed roster with a new collaboration from rising bass powerhouse SIPPY and Los Angeles-based vocalist Dani King. “Feel Anything” is the fourth release on the ever-growing imprint, following impeccably-received records from Jon Casey, Dabow, sumthin sumthin, Aliiias, and Whyte Fang. The dynamic female duo makes their debut on FMU with SIPPY’s slick, downtempo bass production combined with King’s poignant lyricism and melancholic topline. Wonderland tapped one of bass music’s most notable rising acts, – and fellow Australian native – SIPPY, for the first downtempo release on her newly-minted label. The ICON Collective graduate produced the track after hearing Dani King’s hazy, lo-fi topline. On the production process and working with SIPPY, King says, “I wrote this topline around the prompt “I can’t feel anything” and I wanted to create a descriptive, almost visual experience with the lyrics. Sippy heard the topline and fell in love with it, so much so that we ended up using the demo vocals in the final track. It was a dream to collaborate with Sippy because she’s so talented, and I am grateful the opportunity came on such a unique vocal.”
ISAIAH BROWN – ME & U (MUSIC VIDEO)
Rising LA creative Isaiah Brown recently released a music video for one of his 2022 standout tracks, ‘Me & U.‘ Lifted from his stunning debut LP, DREAMERBOY, the song became an instant hit due to its mesmerizing blend of dark soulful pop, lifted bass, and hauntingly relatable lyricism. In his debut LP, Brown crafted an easily digestible body of work that bridges electronic and pop elements via a storybook of tracks. The accompanying music video for “Me & U” does a great job of depicting the core message of the record. A thrilling watch, it is full of captivating camera shots, transcendent effects, and vivid coloring, with Brown front and center telling his own story.
COFRESI – I’M NOT
Multifaceted Chicago-based musician, instrumentalist, DJ, and producer COFRESI teases the arrival of his forthcoming experimental EP, AGENDA, with a glitchy, emotional slice of downtempo in his first release of the year, “I’M NOT.” The single offers a first-hand look at his upcoming EP, which will showcase his boundary-pushing production style across six new magnetic tracks. Known for his experimental live/digital hybrid sets that see him blend his extensive percussive background with electronic elements, COFRESI is unveiling his most ambitious project yet. The concept of “I’M NOT” stemmed from COFRESI’s long-standing passion for integrating live musical elements into a digital soundscape. From organic flutes, striking vocal chops, and melodic cadences to the dynamic downtempo percussion, and pulsing basslines and chords, this track comes together piece by piece to create a rollercoaster of sounds oozing with emotion. COFRESI’s background in live recording shows his captivating ability to incorporate multidimensional digital and acoustic percussion into modern electronic music. Speaking on his inspiration behind the track, COFRESI says, “the initial idea for “I’M NOT came together the day after I saw Polo & Pan perform at Radius in Chicago. I was getting deeper into the city’s music scene then and exploring more dance-focused artists. Polo & Pan’s approach to their live show and music struck a chord in me, and this tune was essentially an application of that inspiration.”
MARTIAL SIMON & TRINIDAD JAMES – GO BEZERK [GET SET RECORDS]
In the age of the tech house anthem, Martial Simon and Trinidad James have delivered an absolute weapon of a contender. According to Simon himself, ” ‘Go Bezerk’s is a Techy Bass House record in collaboration with rapper Trinidad Jame$. His catchy hook overlays a club track with massive buildups, a fat bass line and plucky synths. This record is for the clubs and a packed dance floor!” Released on his imprint GET SET Records, the infectious track is oozing with energy, with James’ soulful flow adding an extra layer of charisma. “Go Bezerk” is definitely destined for airplay, but this is not the only hit that Simon has conjured up over the years. His work speaks for itself, with more than 8 million collective streams, along with 20 million-plus TikTok views, Simon is ready for global domination.
IMANBEK x BABY B3NS – SUNGLASSES [UNIVERSAL GERMANY]
Berlin-based viral sensation Baby B3ns follows up her smash debut single “Baby Blizzard” with a heavyweight collaboration with Grammy-winning dance music DJ and producer Imanbek. Known for her unique, genre-smashing creations, Baby B3ns blends her infectious hyperpop touch with the Kazhak’s beat wizardry for a revamp of Corey Heart’s 80s new-wave classic, “Sunglasses At Night.” A true Berlin chance encounter-cum-friendship, Imanbek and Benita Banu (aka Baby B3ns) first met at a party in the German capital in the summer of 2022. Celebrating with her crew, Benita randomly linked up with Imanbek and his manager at a party one night. They later exchanged music that they were working on, and Benita was immediately hooked to the “Sunglasses” beat that Imanbek had been cooking up “because it totally sounded like that new Berlin house sound,” she says. After that, it didn’t take long until Benita and Imanbek returned to the studio and turned this authentic chance encounter into a massive new track for Spring 2023.
ZUSO – HIGHER
Last, but certainly not least, we have a gorgeous liquid drum’n’bass treat from Australian atmospheric-house producer, ZUSO. His sound has caught the eyes and ears of listeners around the world with his unique blend of traditional music principles with a modern twist. Primarily known for chill, low-key, melodic cuts, “Higher” sees him play with faster tempos and harder-hitting percussive elements while maintaining his signature heart-plucking atmospheric sounds. On the final product, ZUSO says, “Overall, it’s just a really cool and interesting track, it still has a chilled ZUSO vibe to it with a more break beat and danceable feel, but also still has that sense of escapism which is dope. It’s awesome to now be able to showcase my music in different ways and styles that people can still get lost in or escape to and I’m excited for what’s next!
