We’re coming at you with another absolutely stacked edition of Knock’s NMR. Today, we have electric singles, EPs, and LPs from the likes of LYNY, Whales, Munan, SAYMYNITTI, and many more.
XAVAGE – GET UP / SUCCESSION [MONTA RECORDS]
San Diego’s bass maestro, Xavage, renowned for his trap beats designed to shake up any dance floor, returns with a blazing two-track EP on Boombox Cartel’s MONTA Records. Following the success of his MONTA debut ‘Talk To Me’, Xavage collaborates with Argentinian trap sensation, Dabow, on ‘Get Up‘, a track that exemplifies festival energy. It’s an international collab, crafted both online and during a face-to-face meet in LA, which brings together the distinctive bounce both artists are known for. The EP’s second track, ‘Succession‘, is a nod to the O.G. trap sound, stripped-back and infused with Xavage’s signature style. Xavage, whose background lies in dance, is on a mission to rekindle dance vibes in EDM. He’s already garnered attention from industry bigwigs like Flosstradamus and Quix and has expanded his horizons by scoring commercials for Vitamin Water.
LYNY – ‘THE FAMILIAR’ EP [MEMORY PALACE]
Electronica prodigy LYNY, christened Alec Leinhauser, recently dropped “The Familiar” EP via the illustrious Memory Palace label, initiated by Of The Trees. Venturing away from the high-octane beats he’s known for, this three-track ensemble reflects a serene, introspective shift in LYNY’s soundscape, inspired by luminaries like Ross from Friends and Pocket. A passion sparked by Skrillex during his school days, LYNY now crafts music rich in personal introspection. “Familiar” captures poignant memories from LYNY’s life, from a touching tribute to his late cat, Kitty, in “Cat Tale,” to the exploration of deep-rooted relationships in “Attach,” and the soulful embrace of family and upbringing in “Home.” Each track is an aural chronicle of LYNY’s growth as an artist and individual, serving as an invitation for listeners to journey through his evolution. As he continues to push boundaries, LYNY envisions a horizon where his music intertwines with various art forms, championing innovation and authenticity.
MUNAN – TRANQUILITY EP
South Korean-Australian sensation, Peter Lee, is ready to serenade the world with his debut EP, “Tranquillity,” under his new moniker, Munan. Starting his music journey as one-half of the pop duo Chimmi in Seoul, Peter stepped into the limelight with Munan’s chart-topping single “Your Life” in 2022. This latest EP, a heartfelt compilation of five tracks, is an ode to a year of deep introspection and sonic exploration. Recorded mostly solo in his home studio, Peter cherishes the therapeutic joy of independent creation, although some spontaneous collaborations with friends also dot the EP. Blending indie-pop and rock with dashes of alternative and psychedelic vibes, “Tranquillity” serves as a refreshing escape into the serene realm of Munan — a term symbolizing calmness and simplicity — mirroring Peter’s dream of a peaceful existence amidst life’s hustle.
DIRTYPHONICS – BURBANK NIGHTS [MONSTERCAT UNCAGED]
French DJs and producers, Dirtyphonics, composed of Charly Barranger and Julien ‘Pitchin’ Corrales, unveiled their pulsating ‘Rocktronic’ anthem, “Burbank Nights,” on Monstercat earlier this month. This dynamic track will not only set the stage on fire but also rev up the engines of the popular online game, Rocket League, as its seasonal anthem. Drawing inspiration from the legendary rock and metal aura of Burbank, California, the duo masterfully meshes classic guitar riffs and skateboarding samples with electrifying Drum & Bass beats. Paying tribute to the rock legends that once echoed through Burbank’s studios, Dirtyphonics blends traditional guitar recording with avant-garde electronic techniques, heralding a new era they define as ‘Rocktronic’. As they continue to tour Europe, this track gives fans a sneak peek into the adrenaline-pumping future of Dirtyphonics, appealing to rock aficionados, gamers, and extreme sports enthusiasts alike.
WHALES – ‘TWO WORLDS APART’ LP [MONSTERCAT]
Rising from challenges posed by Tourette’s Syndrome, the Israeli producer known as Whales (formerly “Sex Whales”) has charted an unparalleled journey from goblet drum competitions in his early years to dominating global dance charts. Now, Whales plunges deeper into the musical abyss with his audacious 17-track album, ‘Two Worlds Apart’. This opus channels the sonic spirit of diverse genres, from pulse-quickening dubstep to ambient introspection. Drawing inspiration from his own tale of resurgence and resilience tracks like “One More Time” and “Don’t Want You To Go” pulse with both adrenaline and elegance. This masterful creation syncs with his upcoming North American tour, with stops in cities like Denver and Miami, and a show-stopping act at the iconic Lost Lands Music Festival. As if this sonic voyage wasn’t enough, fans can also look forward to Whales’ debut merchandise line launching this September. With a story of triumph over adversity, Whales continues to inspire, melding past and present into a harmonious future in the electronic realm.
SLUMBERJACK x POSIJ – SCOUT [DEADBEATS]
Last month, Deadbeats, North America’s premier destination for dubstep and bass tunes, dropped a sizzling summer anthem, “Scout.” This exhilarating track is the brainchild of the dynamic duo Slumberjack and the prodigious Posij. Making their Deadbeats debut, Slumberjack, an Australian pair known for their dance-pop bangers and remarkable accolades such as three Gold records and over 175 million streams, has shifted gears, delving into more intense, rave-worthy beats. On the flip side, Netherlands-based Posij, a sonic genius with a penchant for blending diverse electronic genres, marks his grand return to Deadbeats after his acclaimed 2021 EP. “Scout” is a sun-drenched house track characterized by robust percussion and tantalizing vocal chops. And for those itching to experience their music live, Posij will be electrifying Paris at the Deadbeats showcase in September, while Slumberjack preps for a tour down under in Australia.
LEMONADE BABY – ‘XTRA POP’ [MAMMAL SOUNDS RECORDS]
After teasing us with two standout singles, Australian sensation Lemonade Baby is set to unveil his eagerly awaited debut EP, “Xtra Pop.” Crafted meticulously over two years, this collection showcases the artist’s profound musical evolution, melding the nostalgic 2000s production with his contemporary vocal touch. Beyond the previously released hits, “Don’t Stop (Keep on Keepin on)” and “Tints (feat. Kevin Collett),” the EP includes gems like “I’m Spinnin A Record,” “Dry Lungs,” and a unique rendition of Kate Bush’s iconic 1985 track, “Hounds of Love.” Lemonade Baby’s EP is a sonic exploration, drawing inspiration from legends like Daft Punk, Fatboy Slim, and Kaytranda, while also echoing the modern vibes of artists like Post Malone and Playboi Carti. From the intoxicating depths of dark club scenes to sunlit pool parties, “Xtra Pop” presents an immersive journey through the artist’s life, emotions, and unceasing growth.
ESSEKS – ‘THIS WILL ALL BE OVER SOON’ LP
Brooklyn’s very own multi-talented producer and visual artist, Esseks’ (Sam Eckstein) latest single “This Will All Be Over Soon” further solidifies Esseks’ reputation for merging diverse bass-centric genres, from glitch-hop to dubstep, with evocative visual art. Known for his unique ability to craft a multi-sensory experience, Esseks is no stranger to Off The Trees’ esoteric label Memory Palace, having previously graced the label with “Dead Meat.” The upcoming single is a teaser to his deeply personal Memory Palace EP, which was initially crafted as a form of self-therapy. This EP is a testament to the transformative power of change, encapsulating both its haunting and relieving aspects. Fans can also look forward to Esseks’ signature visuals accompanying the release, immersing them into his distinctively dark yet whimsical realm. With a rich portfolio that spans across prominent labels like Wakaan, Subcarbon, Saturate, and Deadbeats, Esseks is renowned for pairing his sonic creations with his self-illustrated visuals, offering fans a holistic artistic experience.
MARMAR – YOU
Emerging from the quaint town of Hem in Northern France, American producer MarMar (Mario Pedron) is garnering attention for his distinctive atmospheric/indie-dance music, reminiscent of notable artists like Duskus, Odesza, and Tourist. After relocating to France, MarMar has been meticulously crafting tracks that reflect his evolving artistic direction. Recent standout singles, “Phoenix,” “Told You,” and “At The End,” have captivated global music enthusiasts, propelling MarMar into the limelight. Out on Australian imprint Mammal Sounds Records, his latest offering, “You,” encapsulates a serene experience. Crafted amidst a sun-kissed forest, the track beautifully melds granular samples and evocative vocals, portraying the tranquility MarMar felt on that fateful afternoon, solidifying his position as a force to reckon with in the indie-dance music realm.
MATRODA – JACK THE HOUSE 4 EP [TERMINAL UNDERGROUND]
Tech-house titan Matroda has unveiled his latest sonic narrative, the “Jack The House 4” EP, representing a captivating exploration into the depth and dynamism of house music. Melding seismic basslines, classic house vocals, and soulful echoes, the EP opens with the audacious “My Mind,” and delves into an eclectic array of tracks like the bass-throbbing “Can’t Fight The Feeling,” the unpredictable “I Want It,” and the gritty nocturnal vibes of “In The Air.” Topping off the EP are the pulsating “Pump Up The Volume” and the collaborative grand finale “Talk To Me” alongside TOBEHONEST. Born and raised in Croatia, Matroda’s early inspirations include legendary acts like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, but his “Matrodasound” is entirely unique. From early successes like his remix of SNBRN’s ‘California’ with Chris Lake to massive performances from Ibiza to Sydney, Matroda’s electric vibe-chasers have captured global attention. With consistent top spots on charts, over a million monthly Spotify listeners, and his label, Terminal Underground, Matroda is not only reshaping the tech-house landscape but is poised to dominate it.
SAYMYNITTI – I LIKE MY TECHNO / MISBEHAVE
SAYMYNITTI, the exhilarating collaborative powerhouse formed by Grammy-nominated NITTI and ‘Hardtrap’ pioneer SAYMYNAME, is reigniting the fiery essence of 90s and early 2000s rave culture with a double-single release. The tracks, “I Like My Techno” and “Misbehave,” blend old-school trance with electrifying techno, promising an unforgettable dance floor experience. While “I Like My Techno” sweeps audiences into a trance with its robotic lyrics and techno bassline, “Misbehave” elevates the vibe with sultry vocals epitomizing acid techno. Both members boast impressive credentials: NITTI has previously worked with global icons like Bad Bunny and Diplo, while SAYMYNAME has received acclaim from EDM legends like Skrillex and Tiësto. Having left an indelible mark with their debut track “BING BONG!” and after setting global stages ablaze, from HARD Summer to Academy LA, the dynamic duo continues to redefine the dance music landscape with their nostalgic yet innovative tunes.
MARTIAL SIMON – THIS IS YOUR NIGHT [GET SET RECORDS]
NYC-based producer and veteran DJ Martial Simon delivers a slice of electro-pop and dance with “This Is Your Night,” an immersive exploration of the ‘Nu-Freestyle’ sound, blending nostalgic vibes with contemporary elements. The track, echoing Simon’s signature upbeat and authentic style, has a captivating blend of rolling bass and layered synths that promise to set dance floors worldwide ablaze. Beyond this fresh sound, Martial has already had a stellar year, racking up over a million streams with hits like “High In July” and “Where My Girls At?” which was featured on BBC Radio 1 Dance Anthems. As the founder of GET SET Records, Martial boasts a discography that has amassed over 8 million streams, securing him as a notable force in today’s music landscape. With several achievements under his belt and an exciting new genre to pioneer, Martial Simon is set to take the global music scene by storm.
AY YOUNG – GOALS
In a pioneering fusion of hip-pop and activism, the multi-talented AY Young is also introducing the world to the ‘Nu-Freestyle’ sound. With an unwavering dedication to sustainability and global transformation, AY is set to stage a historic renewable-powered concert in New York City’s Times Square this September. Born from his groundbreaking Battery Tour, which merges musical artistry with environmental education and community initiatives, AY continues to shine as a beacon of hope and progress in the music world. His latest single, “GOALS,” exemplifies this, serving as an anthem for resilience and unity. Rooted in the ethos of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the track seeks to amplify the voices of the unheard. Beyond this, AY’s commitment to change is evident in his partnerships with industry giants like General Motors, Samsung, and BNP Paribas. From earning unanimous praise on “The X Factor” to performing at Joe Biden’s Inauguration Clean Energy Ball, AY Young is not just a musical force but an agent of global change. The accompanying music video for “GOALS” delves deep into this ethos, portraying AY in a serene forest setting, powered by his iconic solar generator, symbolizing the energy of aspirations as he takes flight, bringing the essence of his message to the world.
