‘So Good’ is the next single to see release from the forthcoming My Friends EP by Swedish producers and long-time friends, Tobtok and farfetch’d. Following in the vein of its experimental predecessor ‘I Like When You’, which received loving feedback from tastemakers ranging from Auntie Flo to Sam Divine, ‘So Good’ is an alarmingly refreshing release. Into a high-energy stutter house track it packs in a styled-up drill beat with an uplifting choir vocal, to show yet again that these producers are on the most accomplished streak of their careers so far.

Over six tracks, the forthcoming ‘My Friends’ EP – due for release on London-based indie Perfect Havoc in September – is a diverse and exciting body of work that spans disco, breakbeat, drum and bass and house in the flavours of stutter, French and filter. 

With a catalogue of work that precedes them, it’s important to remove all preconceptions of what Tobtok and farfetch’d have done before. Forget their platinum-selling records, streaming numbers and chart positions, just listen to the result of when they start producing for the pure fun of it.

On their latest single, Tobtok aka Tobias Karlsson, candidly tells the story of its creative journey.

So Good started out completely differently, like a tribalesque record with almost Spanish vibes and with me singing the lead in falsetto. It sounded so awkward that we completely changed it!

After we ditched that initial idea, we were joking around saying, let’s do a “trendy” stutter house record, but not taking ourselves remotely seriously. We upped the BPMs and created a little drill beat in the verse. We landed on a choir vocal which I think is what makes it sound so unique.

Like with the previous track, we’re not trying to sound like anything. So Good is obviously inspired by the stutter house movement, but really, we’re just having fun.”

Tobtok has always worked in his own lane, from his early nu disco signings to highly respected French label Kitsuné– who released his only EP to date, ‘Savanna’ – to his more dancefloor-geared signings to Selected as heard on ‘My Carousel’. There have been plenty of nods to the Swede’s talents over the years, from specialist spins from Pete Tong and Zane Lowe, to being asked to curate Toolroom’s Miami Poolside compilation.

Although still early on in their career farfetch’d aka Jerry Sjödin and Johnny Bergström have been making waves of their own. Taking influence from old-time childhood heroes and fusing the feelings of the past with those of today, their music spans genres and is always drenched in love and happiness. Just check out their releases on Spinnin’, Axtone and Soave for evidence.

Tobtok and farfetch’d go way back to when they first bonded over their love of nu disco and French house when meeting at a student club night and have since produced together on singles for Selected and Perfect Havoc. 

Tobtok and farfetch’d have already spoken about what to expect from the new EP, where they go all out with technique, playing around with sampling, micro-sampling live sounds, and manipulating and pitching vocals.

“The concept was to do something really playful”, Tobtok explains, “We experimented with new ways of thinking. We tried not to think about what’s going to stream or what’s gonna go viral on TikTok, we just wanted to make music that we like.” 

‘So Good’ by Tobtok & farfetch’d is released 21st July on Perfect Havoc. Pre-save here https://perfecthavoc.lnk.to/sogood

Follow Tobtok:

Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Instagram

Follow farfetch’d:

Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Instagram

Follow Perfect Havoc:

Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Spotify

Pre-save: Blind Man’s Labyrinth EP

biskuwi elaborates on the emotional outcome of creating the EP title track: “ The track was completely driven by my emotional journey past few years. It tries to reflect those strong emotions with a strong and melancholic sound palette. While all these different sounds do their own thing, they kind of complete each other – if that makes sense. Like ceaseless battle that we fight within ourselves, creating this Mercurial cacophony.” 

A bold but refined blend of electronic infusions, Blind Man’s Labyrinth is a breath of invigorating air for the empath and minimalist art connoisseur, who enjoys the finer pleasures of life and all the beauty that still exists in a world that is lost and broken. 

Follow biskuwi:

Website – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify

Music producer Greg Kozo has shared his latest EP The Story of Rita Faltoyano, which is packed with two uniquely vibrant and awe-inspiring house tracks with a hint of retro appeal. Released via Enchanté Records, the EP concept was realized after an unforgettable story that Greg Kozo heard in a taxi. 

Stream / Download The Story Of Rita Faltoyano EP

An energetic and soft drum beat along with a gentle pulsating synthesizer arrangement starts off the EP title track. With a mellow and light intro perfect for late-night drives, we are also introduced to a haunting but charming vocal echo that lingers throughout this production fuelled track. As the track progresses the synth embellishments get more jagged and unnerving almost to insinuate that danger is just around the corner. 

On ‘Purple K.O.’ synth notes and a tense but jazzy beat collide to form an energetic groove. This makes the perfect backing soundtrack for a night of mischief and potentially a fistfight in an arcade – just as the title suggests. 

Both strong tracks, the future looks bright for Greg Kozo who has changed up his sound with his latest work. We are waiting in anticipation to see what the producer has up his sleeve in the coming months, but until then we choose to remain captured and haunted by The Story of Rita Faltoyano.

Follow Greg Kozo:

 Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Instagram – Spotify

Follow Enchanté Records:

Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram 

COCO returns with another outstanding EP after massive releases from Prok & Fitch, Billingy & Trallez and of course label boss SOSA. Next up on the label is London based David Lowe who makes his debut with ‘Ya Daughter’ EP. Following releases on FREAK, Techbox Records & Rawsome Recordings David’s next release is brimming with energy and elements of psychedelia. Each track on this three track EP has been skillfully crafted to flow together with a real sense of cohesion throughout. It’s another stellar minimal-tech release on COCO as the label continues to establish itself as a true tastemaker of the underground house scene.

Follow David Lowe:

Instagram / Soundcloud / Bandcamp / Beatport

Released this past weekend, Aiden Francis’s latest EP offering Mezzanine via Houseum is a mellow house release that can be easily enjoyed after a stressful day. Aiden is inspired by out of the box electronic acts that have been dominating playlists like Peggy Gou, DJ Seinfeld and Chaos In The CBD. The music producer has breathed electronic music since his early teenage years, experimenting with soundwaves at the tender age of fourteen.

Stream / Download: Mezzanine EP

This non-chalant blend of electronic embelishments pulls away from Francis’s previous club orientated style. The DJ has mentioned that the lockdown inspired him to channel a more minimal energy into his sound, and the result is four elegantly simplistic tracks that can be enjoyed whenever. Aiden Francis has proven that he can adapt to change with this latest EP, intro ‘Revolver’ is a warped but warm greeting to the the evolution of Francis’s style. This may be due to the low-key synth infusions that that cascade the track. 

Read our exclusive interview with Aiden Francis here

‘Elegy’ takes a more refined and predominantly synth  approach, still ideal for a relaxing evening but also the ideal soundtrack needed to help you stay motivated and focused. ‘Porcelain’ fuses the energy of the previous tracks to unveil a upbeat lounge track perfect for intimate gatherings with friends. EP title track ‘Mezzanine’ fades the concluding track out with finesse and class. There is definitely a track for every house music lover on this EP.

EP track ‘Revolver’ features on the Spotify playlist HOUSE_GROUND.fm

Follow Aiden Francis:

Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Instagram – Spotify

 Image credit: Alex Winton

Japanese deep house music producer Lycoriscoris has left us spellbound with his latest album Chiyu released via reputable record label Anjunadeep. Listening to each track on this album, one feels like you are floating between time and space. Inspired by everyday life and its many challenges along with beautiful moments, Lycoriscoris’s album celebrates life. Featuring the song ‘Shizumu’, this track steers toward a more danceable direction, leaving one feeling liberated and invigorated. Known to be quite a gentle and reserved soul, this certainly reflects in Yunosuke Senoo a.k.a. Lycoriscoris’s work. We had a chat with the thoughtful producer and discovered that he is just as charming and sincere as his luminescent sound.

Stream / Download Chiyu LP

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

I took keyboard lessons when I was a child. I didn’t like music at that time.

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

Up until then, I had only listened to J-POP, and old UK rock, but I was looking for something more innovative and unique. When I was about 19, I discovered electronic music. I don’t know if it was a defining moment, but I think it was a very big turning point.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

OK computer – Radiohead

Geogaddi – Boards of Canada

An Imaginary Country – Tim Hecker

Obrigado Saudade – Mice Parade

Eingya – Helios

Felt – Nils Flahm

Ma Fleur – Cinematic Orchestra

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

Battery 4 – Native Instruments

PerFourMer MKII – Vermona

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

Walking, driving, and snapping a photo.

Your alias Lycoriscoris is named after the Japanese flower that signifies both death and connection. Which song on this album represents the meaning of Lycoriscoris?

“the Japanese flower that signifies both death and connection” is a little different. It’s quite a long story, but let me explain ‘Lycoris’.

Many people don’t have a good image of this flower because it is found in graves and blooms in season, the day when the souls of the dead are supposed to come closer to this world. In addition, the flower is poisonous in small quantities, and people have given it various names with sinister meanings.

And while there are various bad names, there seem to be some good meanings, such as “passion” and “independence”. And the one that appealed to me the most was “until we meet again”. I don’t know why this flower was given this name, but I think it’s a very nice meaning.

These are really difficult to explain, so please refer to the English version on Wikipedia. Look at the section on “Uses and legends”. My English is really limited! I have used translations and dictionaries to write this long explanation, but I am sure I have not covered all the little nuances.

In other words, the most important thought for me in my artist’s name is “looking forward to the day we meet again”. It’s hard to decide which track best expresses this, but I think ‘Chiyu’ (to recover) and ‘Inori’ (to pray) do.

What is your opinion on the ever-spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’ s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

I don’t like to be categorized into genres, so I think that it would be rather interesting if there were so many genres that it could not function as it should.  For example, it would be nice to have your own genre.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

Sometimes it’s good to interact with the audience, but  I prefer to work in the studio.

 Your Chiyu album is about portraying the recovery process during difficult times in life. Tell us about how music has impacted your personal recovery process during these times

With ‘Chiyu’ I wanted to make an album that uses a dance music format but also allows you to confront yourself and sink into a deeper place. 

I think that by facing it, we can find a way to recover. I don’t know if I’ve “recovered” from any of my problems during this period, but I think I’ve been listening to music in a more self-conscious way than ever before.

It is not important whether I have recovered as a result, this album is expressing my “wish” and “attitude”.

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

I think there is a format that says that art, including the style of business, is what it is. I don’t think my music is art. And It’s not for business. So I haven’t really paid much attention to the content of this question.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

TWO LANES. 

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

So far I have released albums, but in the future, I would like to make EPs, singles, and remixes. Making an album takes a lot of energy.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Thanks for always listening!

‘Shizumu’ features on the Spotify playlist ​​HOUSE_GROUND.fm

Follow Lycoriscoris:

Website – Facebook – Soundcloud – Instagram – Spotify

While we wait for this remix to be unveiled, we chatted with this dynamic team Mick Wilson & Dylan Debut a.k.a PaperMacheTiger.

Stream/Download: Way of Life

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

All a bit hazy as music has been in my life from a very young age; playing the piano from very young, to listening to the radio, buying records. Showing my age here…

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

Again, from a very young age. I was always into synthesisers and electronic synth music, so probably about the age of fourteen I started to explore this path and then it just grew from there.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

Apex Twin Selected Ambient Works 85-92. I see this in a lot of listings when it comes to influential albums, but there is a reason for this.

Burial – Untrue

Quincy Jones – Michael Jackson Thriller

Radiohead – Kid A (any Radiohead album) truly groundbreaking band that creates music from all angles.

To be honest, it is very difficult to answer a question like this. We could talk for a week about the most influential albums that have helped define my journey through music; from Hip Hop, Electronica, Classical, pop, to stuff that is completely out there and random.

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

We use a lot of Moog hardware as well as Roland and Korg, however, we like to run these through additional hardware like FX units, amps and pedals in order to create something slightly more unique. We throw some things through Erika Synths Black Sequencer, this really does help to create some great soundscapes.

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

To be honest, everything inspires me; from day to day to film, to art, to books. Just getting out and about and observing, taking note of what is going on around yourself, the surroundings. All these things help to top up the creative well.

What is your opinion on the ever spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’ s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

Too many plain and simple/okay sub-genres and genres help to categorise a sound. However when it all starts getting silly and everything needs to be slotted into a sub-genre with every week something new pops out, it becomes all a little bit like The Emperor’s New Clothes. I suppose it feeds the demands for something new, inventing a new sub-genre to keep things appearing fresh and innovative.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

Depends on the day, at times I just love sitting in the studio and being creative from that side of things even if it is just playing with the machines moreover making a track. Other days it has to be interacting with a crowd, playing great records/music and getting a superb reaction. It all works together, this is what feeds the passion.

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

Greed across the industry full stop. And the wanting of instant fame. You have to be put into the scene, earn your stripes and through this equally, your hard work and efforts need to be recognised. An artist needs to be able to treat their craft as a way of life without having to worry about how to pay the bills,  and how to get on in the world. They should have the ability to earn from their creations. Greed is what drives a lot of the anguish as it all becomes about “the one” making the most money and not even looking to redistribute it in an even manner where everyone wins. We could look at the argument around streaming companies and the low royalty rates paid out to artists as an example. If the balance of distribution was better a lot more artists could sustain a way of life from their music. There really is enough for everyone in this pie.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

Tia Cousins. She is great, plays a diverse spread of underground music. Check her out for sure.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

We’ve got a whole load of stuff that will be hitting soon. We’ve got a collab with DJ Pierre. We are pretty excited about this coming out on his Afro Acid label. There is also new music coming through on Exit Planet Earth, RAWAX which explores other avenues of underground music. And we are also working on a new radio show for OpenLab – a super-diverse station based in Ibiza that really explores fresh music, with music discovery at its core.

One last thought to leave your fans with?

Always be true to the music, it is the music that drives the scene from the listeners to the creators.

Follow PaperMacheTiger:

Facebook / Instagram / Soundcloud

Our 38th release is upon us and we’re excited to bring you a stellar remix EP of Messive Muzik’s masterful collaborative effort, ‘Uthabili’. On the original EP, South African native’s and rising Deep House producers based out of Gugulethu in Cape Town, Messive Muzik, teamed up with Johannesburg-based leading producer KVRVBO and Cape Town’s finest, Pierre Johnson, who are no strangers to the Ambious Records roster and infamous Swaziland-based collective, Secret Souls, to put together a Deep and groovy blend of a combination of their styles and express the passion and talent each of these artists has to offer. 

Bringing things forward, we recruited Berlin & Cape Town-based newcomers to the roster, Amata, which consists of Ambious Records co-founders, MKLY & Sides, who have already made a massive impact on the Progressive House scene with releases coming out on Beat Boutique Records, Sudbeat, Mango Alley to flip, ‘Labyrinth’, with an upbeat and driven Progressive House take on the original that will be a leading track in sets to come.

Berlin-based Redlight Music founder, Denite, who has releases on Germanies Get Physical Music & Audiojack’s Gruuv switches up Messive’s collaboration with Pierre Johnson, ‘Uthabili’, with an old school flair that he’s become known for. With highly swung drums and a lo-fi edge, a true modern classic in the making.

Last but not least lo-tempo maestro and Box of Cats artist, DR. 1MORE, takes the reigns on Messive Muzik’s collaboration with Swaziland collective, Secret Souls, ‘Hacked’. Staying true to the originals downtempo energy with a dubbed out and groove-based rendition, DR. 1MORE’s penchant for head-bobbing music shows itself clearly in this remix and ties the EP up well, reminiscent of the variety that House Music has to offer.

Follow Messive Muzik:

Facebook / Soundcloud / Instagram 

Follow Ambious Records:

Facebook / Soundcloud / Instagram

Image credit: Alex Rawson

Music producer Joe Turner’s upbringing was anything but ordinary, growing up his palette would acquire the taste of Jazz, soul music and 90’s electronica in his formative year’s thanks to his grandfather, a jazz pianist. Joe developed a deep appreciation for melody and flow at a young age, writing and producing his first song at the tender age of eleven. Inspired by all these influences, the result is melodic and laidback house music. 

The renowned music producer released his anticipated EP Textures just last month. We chatted with Turner before the release.  

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?

I remember buying my first physical single, 19 – 2000 by Gorillaz and being obsessed with it. I’d seen the music video a few days before, I thought it was so cool. I think it’s my obsession with cartoons that had something to do with it!

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”

I had been producing for around 6 months and I ended up writing an idea that I was obsessed with – the song was my debut single ‘Atmosphere.’ The feeling I had at the time of writing that song clearly spoke to me, and after that, I had a clear identity on the style of songs I wanted to create.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:

I take a lot of influence from different genres, so the choices of my inspirational albums vary. But if I had to narrow it down to 4 choices, they would be:

Bonobo – Migration

Tame Impala – Currents

Foals – Holy Fire

George Fitzgerald – All That Must Be

All bangers in my opinion!

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?

I make music with Ableton, so that has to be in there. I use a lot of hardware synths in my production. The Korg Minilogue was my first ever synth and I absolutely love it, also my Prophet 08 is a key part of my sound. I recently acquired a Moog Grandmother, so cannot wait to get stuck into that more for upcoming releases!

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?

The biggest inspiration in my life is my family. I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by incredible people throughout my life – without them, there would be no chance of me pursuing music.

A lot of my music is influenced by the world around me and everyday life. So even simple things such as socializing with my friends are the perfect remedy for me to counteract writer’s block. I also love being inspired by live music, however, the last 8 months haven’t allowed me to do that, which is such a shame.

What is your opinion on the ever spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’ s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?

Haha, this is something I hadn’t thought about much, but now you’ve said it – it does kind of make sense. I don’t think we should limit people to specific “genres”, in that if someone wants to create something that they haven’t done before – they should definitely do it. Everyone has unique taste, so sub-genres can help fine-tune their favourite styles, artists, etc. However, on the other hand, it may limit people’s ability to discover new music if they’re stuck in a cycle of one particular subgenre… It’s a tough one! If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m sitting on the fence on this one.

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?

I think live performance has to take it for me. It feels like the “end goal” of the process for music creation. The vibe of a studio when the writing is flowing is incredible – however, when you play an unforgettable show, it cannot be topped by anything else. The lights, the energy, the crowds’ reaction to the music… It gives me shivers just thinking about it!

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

I think there are lots of positives to take from the ‘modern day’ music industry. I feel like everyone would like to change little things to help their own journey. However, if I’m honest, I’d rather work hard and succeed no matter what the industry dictates than feel like it needs to change to help my career move forward.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?

If you haven’t heard her yet, check out TSHA – she is absolutely flying at the moment, and making incredible music. Another Artist I’m really into is Logic1000, her productions are really unique and she’s making waves at the moment! The boys from TIBASKO are making great euphoric music too, there are some really big things to come from them soon!

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

My debut EP Textures drops on the 13th of November. It features all my previous singles from this year, alongside a few new tunes too. I’m sure there will be some live stream shows to accompany the release of it too, we just haven’t sorted out the logistics of them yet!

Famous last words?

Don’t leave the oven on.

Follow Joe Turner:

Facebook / Twitter

The four-track EP kicks off with ‘Lookin’ At Me’, a rhythmic vocal-led electro track that showcases Mason’s ever-growing musical palette. Next up, ‘Out Of Line’ gets things started with an uncompromising kick drum before dropping into an acid line that crunches the ears of the listener. The hypnotic vocal ensnares you with low frequencies and submerges the listener under the bass-weight of this pure club weapon. ‘Jack Work’ is a further nod to Mason’s NYC & Chicago house influences utilising delicate piano chords to masterful effect. Seeing the EP home is ‘Fantazia’. The EP’s finale leans to early Warp Records electronica and Detroit style electro and further re-affirms the young Mancunion producers musical direction.

The EP follows on from Mason’s remix of Elderbrook and Rudimental’s club smash ‘Something About You’, which saw Mason deliver a mature, drum lead house remix which was met with global adulation. He closed out the year playing at Elrow in his hometown at Warehouse Project’s newly formed Mayfield Depot, but the highlight of the year has to be his set in front of 15,000 people in the Hangar at Parklife. He also took the USA by storm with 7 headline tours playing over 40 shows. From Japan to Mexico, to Barcelona; Mason has been performing at the highest level for the world’s greatest events such as EDC, Electric Forest, Hideout, Creamfields, and Leeds Festival whilst also maintaining a strong presence in Ibiza.

Backed by BBC Radio 1 favourites ​Pete Tong, Annie Mac & Danny Howard while also receiving the accolade of “One To Watch” from Billboard Dance, Mason ​continues to cement his reputation as one of dance music’s fastest rising talents. With support from Jamie Jones, The Martinez Brothers, Solardo, Green Velvet, Claude Vonstroke, Paul Woolford, Patrick Topping and numerous others, the breadth and prestige of the artists supporting Mason’s productions are indicative of his raw talent and exceptional sonic craftsmanship.

The “Lookin’ At Me” EP marks the next chapter in the story of one of the scenes most exciting young talents. Showcasing a remarkable level of sophistication in his new audible pursuits, 2020 is going to be a big year, and it’s starting in all the right ways.