Chillout playlist updates! With music from 80% Cacao, Sampling is Beautiful, and Alsogood x Ivan Mamao Conti

"Played by Delight" by 80% Cacao is a compelling instrumental track that marks the beginning of his album "Narnia". This piece stands out for its intricate blend of electronic soundscapes with the organic textures of flute, piano, and bass, emphasizing a dynamic contrast between low and high frequencies. The track's conceptual foundation is inspired by the deceptive allure of Turkish Delight in "The Chronicles of Narnia", using this narrative to explore broader themes of illusion versus reality and the seductive nature of worldly temptations. Through this single, 80% Cacao aims to immerse listeners in a thought-provoking journey, setting a thematic stage for the rest of the album and inviting a deeper engagement with its underlying message.

"Chill 77" by Sampling is Beautiful is a track from their album "Avant Première," which was released on January 24, 2024. This piece, along with the rest of the album, exemplifies the group's innovative blend of jazz rhythms and urban hip-hop vibes through live interactive performances and creative use of sampling. "Chill 77" nicely sums up Sampling is Beautiful's mission to fuse diverse musical genres and techniques into a singular, cohesive sound. Their approach to music, characterized by a deep dive into the art of sampling and a fusion of genres, makes "Chill 77" a captivating listen for those interested in the intersections of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music.

"Broken Hearted," a standout track from Alsogood's album "Elsewhere," encapsulates the essence of Nu-Jazz and Hip-Hop through its sophisticated soundscapes. This track is especially notable for featuring Ivan Mamao Conti, the legendary late Brazilian drummer and founder of the iconic jazz band Azymuth. The collaboration bridges continents and generations, blending Alsogood's innovative production with Conti's rhythmic genius. Alsogood's multi-instrumental prowess is on full display, crafting a sonic environment that is both grounding and ethereal. The inclusion of Ivan Conti not only adds authenticity and depth to the rhythm section but also pays homage to the rich legacy of jazz and its fusion with contemporary sounds.

"Harmonious Horizons: Exploring 'Hello World' by Matt Wilde"

Matt Wilde: A Musical Odyssey

Manchester-born keyboard player and producer Matt Wilde has been carving a unique path in the world of music. With a background rooted in the rich musical landscape of his city, he has honed a style that seamlessly weaves jazz-inspired keys, rich harmonies, and intricately pocketed drums. His journey has been marked by support from luminaries like Gilles Peterson and Jamie Cullum, reflecting his ability to captivate with his inventive musical approach. Having made his debut on vinyl with Band on the Wall Recordings, Matt's career trajectory is a testament to the fusion of passion, skill, and creativity that fuels his artistry.

Crafting an Enchanting Sonic Tapestry

Matt Wilde's musical signature is a tapestry of sound that marries jazz nuances with virtuosic keyboard performances. His distinctive style finds its roots in the vibrant Manchester music scene, where he developed a deep appreciation for various genres. This amalgamation of influences is evident in his compositions, which blend soulful harmonies with a jazz-leaning sensibility. His music is not merely a collection of notes but a journey that unveils emotions and experiences through carefully chosen keys, poignant harmonies, and rhythmically intricate drum patterns. The way he merges these elements creates a soundscape that is both innovative and deeply resonant.

"Hello World": A Lyrical Odyssey

Matt Wilde's latest album, "Hello World," is a compelling chapter in his musical odyssey. This collection of eleven tracks showcases his evolution as an artist, seamlessly fusing his jazz-inspired roots with a fresh outlook. The album opens with the vibrant "Who Cares," a melody that grabs your attention and sets the tone for the auditory journey ahead. Throughout the album, Wilde's masterful command of the keys is on full display, painting vivid emotions with every note. Tracks like "Fields of Green" and "Pippin's Dream" offer moments of introspection, while the playful optimism of "Hello World" and "Savvy" encapsulates the simple joys of life. Collaborations with talented musicians enrich the album, adding layers of depth to the compositions. "Hello World" is not just an album; it's an intricate mosaic of sound and emotion, a testament to Matt Wilde's musical prowess and creative vision.

Support the album on Bandcamp or stream on Spotify

Getting Something for Nothing with Joeri Pronk's New Album

Joeri Pronk is a multi-talented Dutch producer and musician based in London who brings a unique and organic sound to the world of electronic music. His music incorporates sounds from nature, such as running water and crunching stones, and combines them with synthesizers, drum computers, and other sound sources. He records his own drum sounds and incorporates samples from everyday life into his tracks.

Influenced by jazz greats like Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorius, as well as modern artists like Four Tet and Radiohead, Pronk's music is both cerebral and playful, fitting in both a club setting and at home. He has worked with artists such as Matt Bianco and Blaudzun, and has been called to substitute for musicians who’ve played with Adele and Yussef Kamaal. Currently, he splits his time between London and the Netherlands, where he leads the Tante Joke Karaoke Band. Originally started as a joke, the band has grown into a club and festival phenomenon with audience participation and fun at the forefront.

Joeri Pronk's album "Music for Nothing" is his first release, published by London label Goeie Records. The opening track "Moltien" is a jazzy electronic composition featuring Pronk's soulful bass playing set against a backdrop of subtle pads and an arepeggiated groove. The tracks proceed naturally as Joeri treats the listener to the sonic fruits of his labor with music sitting loosely within a variety of genres such as downtempo, lofi and electronica. The album, recorded in a week, showcases Pronk’s unique ability to make music that is both infectiously simple and indelibly personal.

Support the release on Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify

Pedro Martins and Tempura the Purple Boy’s ‘Uncharted Elements’ is Set to Release July 14th

The artists’ first collaboration ventures listeners into nature’s unknown depths

Portuguese artists Pedro Martins and Tempura the Purple Boy have come together to release ‘Uncharted Elements,’ with pre-orders available on July 1st. The entire album will be available on July 14th and features tracks that fuse elements from various times and places to produce a previously unexplored sound space. DJ, producer, and founder of Karakter Records, Pedro Martins is a member of the Sinchi collective and works to challenge stereotypes of dance music through his collaborations and the label’s platform. Tempura the Purple Boy is the solo project of Bernardo Addario. He mixes electronic genres like organic house, acid, dark disco, and world music to unify disparate tastes and access deep emotion.

‘Uncharted Elements’ marks the first collaboration between the artists following their respective solo careers to this point. Pedro Martin’s previous work includes ‘Seven’ (Pedro Martins Remake) from 2022, the album ‘Broken Dreams’ from 2021, ‘Where is the Sun’ from 2020, and the album ‘Nova Lisboa’ from 2018. Tempura the Purple Boy’s previous work includes the album ‘Bandua’ and the single ‘Cinco Sentidos’ in collaboration with Edgar Valente this year, plus ‘Azul Assim,’ ‘Macelada,’ and ‘Onirologia III’ from 2021.

Their upcoming release is a product of influences that span gritty downtempo to atmospheric jungle. Each track is in honor of the unknown, fusing elements to create a unique space that unfolds in an unpredictable manner. Inspired by the knowledge that nature and the universe hold undiscovered elements, ‘Unchartered Elements’ merges dark and dreamy components to create an unexpected synergy between the artists’ styles.

Drops July 14th on Random Collective 👇
Support on Bandcamp

To see more from the artists:

Pedro Martins:

SoundCloud | Bandcamp | Instagram

Tempura the Purple Boy:

Spotify | Bandcamp | Instagram

Anchorsong brings us new tracks from his debut era after 10-years

The artist pays homage to his electronic beginnings by revisiting his first album

Anchorsong has released a Deluxe Edition of his 2011 debut album Chapters. Revisiting the tracks that established his name as a notable producer and multi-instrumentalist, the Deluxe Edition includes songs from that time that had never previously been released. As a Japanese musician, Masaaki Yoshida—under the alias Anchorsong—is based in London where he has been living since 2007. Known for his immersive and rhythmic performances, with the release of the original Chapters Yoshida set the precedent for the astounding artistic quality of his live performances. Notoriously unique, in each live performance Anchorsong creates the electronic music entirely live using an MPC2500 and a keyboard, performing either solo or with a string quartet.

After the release of Chapters in 2011, Anchorsong went on to release Ceremonia in 2016, Cohesino in 2018, followed by a deluxe edition in 2019, and finally Mirage earlier in 2021. Along the way there have been dozens of singles and EPs to emerge from the artist including ‘Remedy,’ ‘New World,’ and ‘Tunis Dream,’ this year, all of which culminated in the release of Mirage. In 2011, when Chapters first debuted, Yoshida began partnering with British independent record label, Tru Thoughts.

Ten years on, the latest Deluxe edition includes previously unreleased tracks including ‘Calling,’ ‘Breathe Breathe Me,’ and ‘Hit the Bottom.’ As an album that reveals new layers each time it is played, the fusing of rock, hip hop, and electronic is made dynamic and diverse through the meshing of beats and string instruments. The multi-layered energy of the album spans a range of feelings, all maintaining a percussive and edgy aura with Anchorsong’s highly detailed signature sound throughout.

See more from the artist:

Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Aqeel Aadam collaborates on downtempo, creating ‘Fault’

Together with contemporary artist Fossilize me, Aqeel Aadam delivers a detailed yet effortless EP

A neatly put together album of experimental downtempo, ‘Fault’ marks the coming together of two artists connected with the left field label Mystery Circles. Aqeel Aadam and Fossilize Me both released innovative debut albums in 2020, exploring separate paths into the sounds of ambient electronica. The pair shares an appreciation for expansive landscapes, layering together involved synthesizer work with percussive ambience. The overlap of interests between these two artists results in a collaboration which feels entirely natural.

Our featured track from the album is the work of Aqeel Aadam, a New York based musician who started out with bedroom beats and whose progression is evident in ‘Nails Grow Back’. The release revels in creating a detailed soundscape composed of modulated beats and sweeping synthesizers which manage to avoid encroaching on the central melodies at play. Aadam endeavours to blend in influences from atmospheric hip-hop and post rock, bringing to life new sonic worlds. It’s an ambitious approach, and part of the cause behind the albums alternative but polished quality.

The tracks contributed to ‘Fault’ by Fossilize provide a curious and effective contrast to Aadam’s less percussive inclusions. The outcome is an excellent balance between two perspectives operating within the same field, and an album with a gratifying narrative.

Hear more from Aqeel Aadam
Instagram / Spotify

Hear more from Fossilize Me
Instagram / Spotify

Check out the label - Mystery Circles
Website / Bandcamp / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook

Vocals within multilayered experimental, Ameli Paul with ‘Open Fire’

Combining two different approaches to music, German duo Ameli Paul collaborate to form a united sound and a debut EP

Ameli and Paul first began to share their unique perspectives on creating music back in 2016, a chance meeting marking the start of an electronic duo now stood atop five years of development. Giving their project the title of Ameli Paul, the pair has been working to balance the complimentary spheres of vocal harmony and experimental downtempo vibes. During that time, Ameli Paul have made various appearances on stage, evolving a live performance which has taken them around both the club and festival circuit.

The deeper electronic elements that build up the environments of this project are generally the work of Paul, whose use of synthesizers and field recordings encircles Ameli’s impactful vocal talents with a more intangible level of sound.

The duo has recently dropped their debut EP, through up-and-coming label MEIOSIS.  Comprised of two original tracks and a remix, the release explores moods both emotive and cinematic. Heading the collection is ‘Open Fire’, a track which ventures deep into electronic possibilities, drawing on synth melody and organic house beats to create an open-ended space. Eponymous follow up track ‘Beyond Reason’ leans into the pure quality of Ameli’s voice, contrasting it with the tension of muted electronica and leaving the listener adrift.

Stream the release on Spotify.

Hear more from Ameli Paul
Insta / Spotify / Facebook / Soundcloud

Wavescapes returns with smooth downtempo, in ‘Currents’

Wavescapes · Currents

The duo add a touch of organic into the new EP’s carefully finished sonic soundscape

Len van de Laak and Tim Barning first pooled their talents as electronic producers when tasked with the composition of a short film score. Although the feature ultimately remained unreleased, over the course of creating the feature track ‘Circe’ the pair discovered a shared passion for expression through music. Interested in further developing their potential as collaborators the Amsterdam based artists formed Wavescapes, a project delving into themes of downtempo electronica.

Claiming a space for themselves in the Dutch music business, Wavescapes continued to experiment with their deliberate and reflective style. An orientation towards cinematic themes has remained a focal point for the duo, with Wavescapes music being used in a variety of TV programs as well as promotional material for Hugo Boss during the 2020 Milan fashion show.

The most recent expansion to the pair’s discography comes in the form of ‘Currents’, an EP consisting of six tracks, each gentle but uplifting. While decidedly electronica based, tracks like Khepri and Currents make use of emotive piano, alongside more sweeping synth waves which balance out the percussive hits as a traditional swing section would. Organic guitar also finds its way into the mix, but it’s the feather light downtempo flow that’s polishes the release.

Stream the whole EP on Spotify

Check out more from Wavescapes

Instagram / Spotify / Facebook / Homepage / Soundcloud