Beats News

Dream Eater Records returns with another burning hot plate of sought-after dubs from one the true pioneers of both dubstep and the grime scene. Kromestar vs. Iron Soul battle against each other for the first time on the same record. This one is not to be

London based Grime MC and Producer Jammz continues to build upon his I Am Grime Imprint, and once again caters to his instrumental fan base, with the instrumental release of Warrior 2 (on Vinyl only). Written and produced in 2017, this release stands to be the most well rounded body of work Jammz has released yet, and shows Jammz's growth and development as one of Grime's most promising mainstay producers. In recent years Jammz has managed established himself as a very sought after producer, with previous releases such as Keep it Simple & the world being underground favourites (of both fans and DJ's) which have managed to remain in rotation even today. Once a part of 2014's 'pirate radio renaissance', Jammz has also managed to infiltrate his way into the playlists of DJ's such as Sir Spyro & Logan Sama (amongst others) who always have a Jammz instrumental to hand. Yes - I Am Grime is the label, however Jammz takes this opportunity to explore the boundaries of Grime, playing with a range tempos and influences on this EP, with music ranging from 130BPM to 150BPM. Songs like 'Everything Dead' nod to Jammz's Jamaican and British influences, with minimal weighty baselines and vocal stabs, whilst songs like the 'Intro' and 'Interlude' see Jammz experiment with the idea of Grime without drums or percussion. B side tracks like "Set You Free' and 'Play That' nod back to an earlier era of Grime and Garage; with simplistic brass-backed riffs and vocal chops. Additional production credits come from the likes of Sebastian Sartor, Bristol favourites Joker and New York Transit Authority, USA's Collapsing Scenery and Jack Dat who also has his production hat on for the occasion. Over the last 3 Years Jammz has spent his time building his I Am Grime Imprint, which is fast building a reputation for releasing sought after releases. With a newly announced Rinse FM residency and a brand new line of merchandise - it's safe to say Jammz isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Silk Road Assassins, a trio consisting of Tom E Vercetti, Chemist and Lovedr0id, return to Planet Mu with their debut full-length 'State Of Ruin' two years after their first EP 'Reflection Spaces'.

The trio recorded over two years, working together to start with, then across different studios and via the internet when their lives became more separated. They also finessed the album at Abbey Road studios, making use of some short time to add in extra layers.

The three producers day jobs are in production music, music designed and created specifically for film and games, and this album uses these skills to explore the musical forms that they love. The album explores how trap and grime's minimalist form can be built and curved into musical architecture: elegant, opaque and layered, turning the sound into lush, melodic world-building.

The work gone into the album is revealed on repeated listens, every sound on this record feels built to sit within it's delicate ecosystem. The fundamentals of the music are given their own sense of purpose: hand claps spray, bells tumble, guitars splinter and lush melodies waft over and fill the track's spaces like light, glinting across snapping, crisp rhythms and deep bass tones.

Bridging distinct but closely connected music scenes can open new possibilities. On 'No More Normal', Swindle confidently grasps the different sides to the UK music scene. Boasting roots in the boundary-pushing world of Grime & Dubstep, this album marks the next step in the London-raised producer's expanded vision for his music. It fuses different disciplines together in new and electrifying ways. He connects a group of peers sharing creative common ground, one that centres around the fertile space between UK Jazz, Grime and Hip Hop. The results span from lush, strings-laden soul to voicebox-heavy p-funk - often in the course of one song. 'It's a class photo of 2018,' he says. 'I need everyone in this picture.' It incorporates an all-star cast of MC's in Kojey Radical, Ghetts, D Double E and P Money, to instrumentalists Yussef Dayes, Nubya Garcia, Riot Jazz, and singers such as Etta Bond, Eva Lazarus, Daley and Kiko Bun.

The album was built over a three year period. The opening track ''What We Do' became the track that set the scene for each studio session, a way of Swindle explaining what he was setting out to achieve. Featuring an (on paper) unusual combination of R&B singer Daley, Grime legends P Money & D Double E, and an opening speech from Bristol-based spoken word artist, Rider Shafique - 'It describes the narrative of the record overall and helped set the agenda for what followed - I made a lot of tracks that were really good that at the end of the day didn't fit this project'. The resulting work has a pervading sense of triumph against the odds, and a celebration of togetherness at this moment of fragmentation that manages to feel both optimistic and nostalgic. A record that could have only been made in today's multicultural Britain. 'No More Normal is the idea of us doing our thing, our way, with no rules or limitations. It is jazz influenced as much as it is grime influenced. It's London influenced as much as it is LA influenced. I can work with D Double E and Nubya Garcia, these records are my imagination brought to life in musical form'.

'No More Normal' follows a spate of projects where Swindle's taken on the role of producer for other artists. That's included Kojey Radical, for his single 'Water'; Joel Culpepper, whose 'Woman' live session for Colors has clocked up 4M Youtube streams and counting, D Double E with three tracks on his debut album 'Jackum' and Mahalia's EP 'Seasons'. It follows years of graft spent staking roots in the underground, from early output on Butterz, to the Trilogy of Funk triple EP released last year. The debut singles "Reach The Stars" & "Coming Home" saw support from all the heavy hitters - Target, Jamz Supernova, Annie Mac, Julie Adenuga, and Gilles Peterson.

An appreciation of jazz and funk has coursed through Swindle's music since the very start. 'No More Normal' continues that love affair. Growing up in south London, he built his first studio in his bedroom when he was 14. Excluded from school for having 'way too much energy' his early steps into music were aided by his blues guitarist father, who gave him lessons on the guitar and whose record collection - made up of soul and jazz touchstones - provided vital inspiration for his debut LP "Long Live The Jazz", released on Mala's Deep Medi label in 2013. The follow up in 2015, 'Peace, Love & Music', was created in studio sessions all over the world, and, accompanied by an explosive live show, was further testament to the ambition and scope of this singular artist.

A Must Have For All BassHeadz !

Six fresh, nervy experiments with grime, ambient, d&b, garage and glitch, bristling with ideas and drama, by this up-and-coming producer from Monza, for the Milanese label Beat Machine, plus a heavy remix by Bristol prodigy Walton, stepping up from Hyperdub and Tectonic. Beautifully presented, too: white vinyl in hand-painted fluorescent sleeves.

Circadian Rhythms releases thus far have embodied conceptual formats with this latest offering being no different, tackling the issue of mental health that is becoming alarmingly frequent within todays world. This being in the form of a USB EP from Spanish producer Plata (inspired by his own battles with bipolar), a follow up to his rapid sellout collaboration with Mssingno for CR's first ever release. However this is more than an EP, the track listing initially advertises 3, when in fact there are 30+ tracks, encrypted in a file format designed by the artist. These will be distributed on and offline (through QR codes) and can only be extracted with software on the USB, as a ploy to encourage physical engagement with music as opposed to streaming in mass consumption.

Boofy hails from Bristol's fine heritage of progressive bass music producers. Having made a name for himself as part of the Bandulu crew and his own Sector 7 Sounds imprint, as well as dropping killer releases on Innamind Recordings and No Corner.

Lucky for us, he's saved some of his deepest, heaviest hitting cuts for Tectonic! This 4 track EP is a masterclass in minimal effectiveness, with rhythms ready to set the dancefloor off that reveal ever deeper subtitles on repeated listens.

'Back In The Box' sets the pace with swinging hats, thumping kicks and a bass line that will sound like an earthquake on the right system! Follow up for 'Herbie' which takes things in dissonant direction, before dropping hard and with authority.

Flip then for the EP title track, an exploration around the paranoid edges of a creative mind, stretched to capacity. Finally the EP closes up with 'Perfunktion', a rolling rhythm with a lighter mood, somewhat reminiscent of Mala circa 2006. Quality stuff from an excellent producer who is going from strength to strength right now.

DJ Support from: Kahn & Neek, Mala, Tubby, RSD, Joker & many more

Latest Release From Spanish Producer Plata On Circadian Rhythms Is In The Form Of A Usb, Housed In Pharmaceutical Packaging Relating To The Concept Of The Release.

* Breaking into a new century, following last months 100th release on the label, Ishan Sound collaborates on 2 killer tracks with Bristol-based Hodge and Alex Hughes aka Muttley.

* 'C5' refers to cold explosives and makes for a perfect title for this stark, cold rhythm. A circling melodic synth line sets a moody context before the floor drops out and an industrial strength sub drives things forward at 130bpm. Deep, hard, dark, original. Exceptional quality from Ishan Sound and Hodge.

* Flip for a 140bpm excursion from Ishan Sound & Muttley, melding elements of trap, grime and dubstep meticulously to form an engaging sonic that is both fuel for the dancefloor as well as providing introspective qualities for bass weight meditation. 'Still Smoking' sums it up appropriately.

Numa Crew and Killa's Army join forces on this banger that will represent the first release of the brand new label Numa Recordings.

The first release of Numa Recordings is all about a mediterranean and jamaican alliance, an explosive blend of grime and reggae vibes.

Killa's Army is a crew from London formed by Killa P, Irah and Long Range, one of the most powerful trios in the contemporary UK Grime scene, their own original style is distinguished by a "heavy" jamaican dancehall & reggae influence.

The italian collective Numa Crew has developed their unique sound over the years, ranging from dubstep to jungle, through a limitless exploration of the different styles in the wide spectrum of genres in the uk underground scene. In the production of "We nuh tek talk" lies the essence of this musical journey.

The main theme of the tune is the legendary motive of Courtney Melody's 'Ninja mi ninja' chorus, adapted to a modern day grime beat.

Backing the title track is the 'We nuh tek riddim' version by Numa Crew, the beat and the bassline are simple and heavy at the same time. It will be fire in the dance!

Massive stepper Mooshine style !

* BIG, BAD AND HEAVY! Two of Pinch's biggest dance floor bangers, remixed by one of UK dubstep's hardest hitters, Kromestar. Guaranteed rewinds.

* 'The Boxer' first appeared on Tectonic back in 2010, fusing grime and dubstep with tribal drums and tearing squarewave bass. Kromestar stays true to the original but switches his stance to swing hard with a left hook, Southpaw style. After a moody build up, the intro breaks away into a brief moment of calm, before bass comes out fighting, throwing knock out punches hard and fast. Tried and tested dancefloor damage of the highest order.

* Flip then for an equally dangerous remix of Pinch's Deep Medi release 'Swish', from back in 2011. Simple, effective and deadly, Kromestar gives this classic an update, setting it up for another few years of wheel-ups!

* DJ Support from: Kahn & Neek, Mala, RSD, Joker & many more.

Dream Eater Records present another collection of the finest music at 140BPM from both rising stars and firm favourites.

A1 Maniac - E3 Goon: Having produced hits for Wiley, Tinchy Stryder and Chipmuk Maniac is a true legend of grime. E3 Goon is a personal all-time favourite of mine.

A2: Filthy Gears delivers once again with the serious hitter that is 'Peace Treaty'

A3: We present Kotei's vinyl debut, he is another up and coming producer with a both grime and dubstep influenced sound.

B1: JT The Goon, another grime powerhouse, never fails to deliver and 'Stacks' is no exception to this rule. Classic grime feel with his signature flutes.

B2: B:Thorough's vinyl debut is a statement of intent! 'Flutter' is Perfect blend of new and old school grime sound - the melodies are killer!

B3: Over the past few years JFO has been consistently producing brilliant dungeon sound dubstep. 'Elevation' is masterfully crafted, sparse and definitely weighty.

Rod Lee is back on Dress 2 Sweat, and this time we're bringing the old with the new (and exclusive) plus a devastating remix from man of the minute Rustie. The title track is a never before released piece of original club music from the Club King. None of the generic Bmore breaks or samples, this is essentially just an upbeat hip hop track with Rod Lee rapping over the top. There's an accapella included for the remixers and adventurous DJs, and the air horn classic "Oh Yeah" probably one of the finest hype tracks to come out of Maryland. But the pick of this whole EP is probably Rustie's remix.

After introducing Griffit Vigo 'the Gqom legend' on the Originators EP on Gqom Oh! Records back in February with the percussive anthem Ree's Vibe and the historical track featured on MTV Base Gqom Nation documentary "Gqom 5 - Gqom Oh! is finally ready to release Griffit Vigo's first solo single 'DJ' on a 7" vinyl, with on the b-side another Gqom viral Durban track coming from the numeric series "Gqom 6. Griffit Vigo, a real innovator in the Gqom genre who grew up in Clermont and started to produce music around 2007, has attained a legendary status amongst his peers as he was one of the originators of gqom, inventing sounds as Umshanelo (meaning broom in Zulu) and chopping vocals that everybody then started to sample. Many of his beats were appropriated or sampled, so now the time has finally come for him to show his talent and unique style and inspire the listeners in the same way he inspired everyone in Durban. This single introduces his forthcoming album on Gqom Oh!, to be released in September/October 2018 entitled 'Gqom is Alive'. As the Gqom sound has massively changed in the past year, taking over South Africa and the world, also by evolving into a more commercial-focused and melodic branch which derives from Sgubhu, Griffit Vigo's intention is to keep the original Gqom sound as pure and authentic as it was when it was first birthed whilst still pushing the sound forward in the future.

Grime originators Macabre Unit return to the Nomine Sound imprint with 2 absolute Grime belters. The originals were released on Nomine Sound in 2017 and if you are familiar with them then these VIPs will not disappoint.

Newly signed to Rhythm Rollers, Mr. Wonderful & Technical J introduce The Boss, a 7' vinyl scratched masterpiece with outstanding production and a compilation of diverse and unique scratch samples to DJ/Producer to utilize.
This unique piece of vinyl has a 'Skip Proof' scratch side dedicated for the DJ/Producer with over 4.30min of vocals, drums, synths, bleeps and basses that can make any DJ/Producer standout from the rest.
The Boss is a live Studio scratch track that will have any crowd rocking.  Super low sub frequencies, punchy drums and ear pricking scratches that only Wonderful and J could produce.
Samples
Choosing the right samples for our record was the major focus for this release. We wanted DJ's to standout from the crowd, so spent considerable time getting vocalists and secessionist in the studio to record some very individual samples for DJ's to use.
Skip Proof Technology
'Skip proof' technology - is a way of recording scratch records so that they do not skip from one sample to another. This is achieved by first calculating the time it takes for one revolution of the record (1.8sec). Once you have this information you can then customise your DAW to that specific measure (133.3333bpm). Then layout your samples so they repeat at the start of each bar.
Extra Deep Grooves
The record plant cut extra deep grooves perfect for the more aggressive style of scratching we all love (these will not jump). Making sure the weight of the vinyl was correct giving that nice feel and long lasting audio sound.

* Bristol's Joker has announced he is to celebrate 10 years of his pioneering Kapsize label with a special series of new 12' Joker releases, the second of which will drop this May.

* Over the past decade, Kapsize has put out some of Joker's most defining work, including the iconic 'Purple City' (produced with Ginz) — a track widely recognised as ground zero for Joker's purple dubstep aesthetic — and 2015 album, 'The Mainframe', as well as early records from Asa & Sorrow and L-Wiz.

* To be released both on special edition orange vinyl and digitally, Joker's second commemorative release lands in the form of 'Boat / Deploy'. A-side 'Boat' is gleefully maximalist, a playful accordion running alongside searing synths before a ominous bassline drops, taking us through his vivid and embellished creative world, while the cinematic 'Deploy' is another intense and larger-than-life riddim.

* To be released in June following the release of 'Anamorphic / Forever' in April, and 'Marching Orders ft. Footsie / Polka Dot' in May'.

This is Nomine's first solo release on the label since its beginnings and he returns back to his roots with some tribal, ethnic, meditative 140 bass music that can be both raved to or meditated to.

* The second in Joker's trio of special releases to commemorate 10 years of his Kapsize label is to release this coming May.
* Over the past decade, Kapsize has put out some of Joker's most defining work, including the iconic 'Purple City' (produced with Ginz) — a track widely recognised as ground zero for Joker's purple dubstep aesthetic — and 2015 album, 'The Mainframe', as well as early records from Asa & Sorrow and L-Wiz.
* To be released both on special edition vinyl, A-side 'Marching Orders' features legendary grime MC and producer, Footsie, who goes hard over Joker's monstrous instrumental — think relentless, hyper-distorted club hydraulics — even acknowledging him on the hook; 'Oi Joker this beat's sick, crazy'.

* On the flip, B-side 'Polka Dot' is equally as tough, despite the dizzying melodies and gentle tones of the track's opening throws, landing as a crunching melee of textbook Joker sounds.

Bloody Bass Music Killer. Defenitly Something Grimey And Uk Garage. Minimal But Full Of Changes And Drops. A Bloody Dj Tool !

* In come the first of three releases celebrating a decade of pioneering label Kapsize. Fronted by leading light of Bristol dance music, Joker showcases one of his most iconic sounds to date.

* Suave sophistication not out of place in a Bond or Bourne film, backed with dancefloor aggression, 'Anamorphic' oozes the hi tech international espionage Purple sound Joker has carved out for himself. Opening with plush synth and horn washes, leading into unmistakable arpeggiators and guitar riffs, 'Anamorphic' manages to combine Joker's signature sexy RnB vibes into perfectly engineered system smashing bass lines with ease and style.

* 'Forever' explores the same theme with soundscapes and synth washes that Vangelis would be proud of. A textural flight over the landscape Joker painted with 'Anamorphic', 'Forever' gives listeners a chance to take in the sights and sounds of the neon cities and skylines that Joker made his name on.

* Joker continues the exploration and continuation of the sounds that made his name, elements of 'Snake Eater', 'Tron' and 'Neon City' can be found here with a new slant. A showcase of a unique pioneer at the top of his game.

10"

This one shouts for itself: OG grime producer/engineer Boylan runs amok with a Devil mix of Logos' Glass.
Given a side to itself 'cos basically nothing else can withstand its heat, Boylan reduces and amplifies Glass' original shards of jungle breaks and scything mentasms with pensile application of drop forge bass and super wide, vaulted sound design, in the process turning it into some kind of petrified rave fulgurite.
It's quite possibly the most ferocious turn-up from the grime X hardcore X weightless nexus which has emerged in recent years, largely due to the efforts of Different Circles.
One might call it a Different Circles anthem, but whatever you want to call it; this one's massive.

3 hard, loopy. rolling techno-ish club movers taken from Helix's Greatest Hits Vol 3. A-side "The Lyot Remix" comes with a show-stopping triplets rhythm and guitar riff over 7+ minutes of jack track. B-sides go grime-tech and funky Club respectively, all unmistakably Helix.

Joe Powers is from Edinburgh, far outside the network of the Grime capital of London. His caffeinated productions as Proc Fiskal are faster than usual, with many clocking in at 160bpm. 'The Highland Mob', his 2017 debut EP, opened up his music to open-eared footwork and drum'n'bass fans as well as the grime crowd. After following that up with a jungle-inflected EP on Cosmic Bridge, 'Insula' switches the feel and intention towards a personal, and melodic music with one foot in Grime, infused with often comic, often wistful recorded moments from his environment. He says 'I wanted to be aware of where the music is coming from, referencing things I'm presently experiencing, like making Grime, my Radar radio show, phone addiction, alcohol, my surroundings, girls, depression, positivity, being unemployed, being employed and hating it, my friends etc. Trying to be true to myself instead of relying on other peoples' nostalgia, and focusing on now.'

The record is a huge leap in vision, with delicate, pointillist melodies and intricate edits reminiscent of Grime producers such as Terror Danjah. It also resonates with Japanese video game music like that recently explored on the 'Diggin' In The Carts' compilation.

'I think I probably make tunes to get out emotions I don't express in day-to-day life. I used clips of my friends talking, drunk folk, and general Scottish life to preserve and represent what my experience is like right now, like a time capsule. Social media notification sounds are designed to release serotonin, which is what I'd like my music to do, to make me, and other people happy, and in using these manipulative noises in a positive way, I like to think I'm taking back the power of the manipulation.'

Proc Fiskal is adventurous and thoughtful as a producer, and at the young age of 21, his debut album is very advanced in its ideas and execution.