ANKO's "Landing": A Sonic Journey Back to Trip-Hop's Golden Era

In the realm of chillout music, "Landing" by ANKO stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Trip-Hop and Lo-Fi beats, reminiscent of the genre's golden era in the 90s and early 2000s. Crafted by the Parisian duo Nicolas de Ferran and Antoine F. Martin, "Landing" embodies a modern production approach to beatmaking, infused with the spirit of abstract hip-hop. ANKO's journey began with a collaboration on music for primetime TV shows and documentaries, eventually evolving into an original project driven by a passion for creating. Their debut E.P., "Waved," released in March 2018, is a harmonious blend of electronic textures and acoustic warmth, drawing from diverse influences including hip-hop, classical music, and jazz. This track, in particular, is a prime example of ANKO's ability to weave oxymoronic elements into a sound that is both soothing and invigorating.

"Ascension" by Mark Ski: Elevating Beats to New Heights

"Ascension" serves as the lead track of Mark Ski's "Mountains," an album designed to musically narrate life's highs and lows through an exploration of Hip-Hop's instrumental sub-genres. This track offers an uptempo journey, heavily influenced by the likes of DJ Shadow, UNKLE, and RJD2, featuring a blend of break-centric beats, funk samples, and layered synth textures. Mark Ski, a prominent figure in the Northampton Hip-Hop scene, leverages his vast experience as a DJ, turntablist, and producer to craft a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. His work, celebrated in various prestigious platforms, embodies the essence of classic instrumental Hip-Hop while introducing contemporary elements, making "Ascension" a compelling addition to any chillout playlist.

"Eclectic" from Odelet: Blurring the Lines Between Genres

As a prelude to her much-anticipated album "Pisces Pie," Odelet's single "Eclectic" promises an amalgamation of genres that transcends traditional musical boundaries. Hailing from Detroit and now based on the west coast, Odelet's versatility as a singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist allows her to create an immersive auditory and visual experience. Her upcoming album, inspired by a love for old-school Hip-Hop and siren singers, is anticipated to be a homage to her diverse musical influences, ranging from Jazz to R&B. "Eclectic," as the name suggests, serves as a sneak peek into Odelet's experimental approach to music, blending her unique vocal style with classic Hip-Hop production elements. This track not only showcases Odelet's innovative spirit but also hints at the depth and variety listeners can expect from "Pisces Pie."

Subsets - "Onyx"

The journey begins with "Onyx" by Subsets, a track that captivates the listener with its deep, ambient soundscapes. As the first in a series themed around gemstones, "Onyx" stands out for its exploration of contrast—much like the natural stone itself. The track weaves together dark and light elements, creating an auditory experience that mirrors the dark and light banding of natural Onyx deposits. Hailing from rural Berkshire, UK, Subsets is a master of blending electronic and traditional instruments, drawing influences from a wide array of genres to craft chilled, emotive soundscapes. With features on compilations from the legendary Cafe Del Mar label, Subsets' music has resonated on platforms like BBC Radio 1Xtra and EDM.com, showcasing his ability to touch the hearts of listeners worldwide.

Boko Yout x boerd - "Sooky Sooky"

Next, we explore the collaborative magic of Boko Yout and boerd with "Sooky Sooky," a track from their EP "Griot." This collaboration brings together the Afro Grunge pioneer Boko Yout (Paul Adamah) and Stockholm-based producer boerd (Bård Ericson), offering a sound that's both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural narratives. "Griot" celebrates storytelling through its sonic diversity, with "Sooky Sooky" standing out as a testament to the duo's creative synergy. Boerd's classical background, combined with Boko Yout's lyrical prowess, crafts a dreamy, evocative soundscape that bridges genres and geographies.

NTHNL - Avec Tendresse

Our playlist culminates with "Avec Tendresse" by NTHNL, a track from the album "Cosmic Flute Rides Again." Featuring an enchanting alto flute solo, this piece transports listeners to a realm where cosmic flutes and electronic beats coalesce into a soothing, immersive experience. NTHNL, the artistic alias of Jake Rudin, is a Brooklyn-based talent known for his eclectic approach to music. Blending classical training with a passion for experimental sound design, NTHNL's work is a testament to the transformative power of music, offering listeners a bridge between the familiar and the unknown.