“Enough Of You” is Sango, Atu and Dpat all producing under the smooth flow of LA-based rapper, Azad. As if that couldn’t get any better, it was just flipped brilliantly by the indie producer Karnaval Blues. With names like this on the original saying the bar is set high would be an understatement. But with Karnaval Blues’ washed-out take on the production and mixing of Azad’s rap it surpasses expectation. Thanks to this epic flip, we’ve got a new up-and-comer we’ll be certainly keeping an eye on. Give it a listen above.
The triumvirate of Atu, Dpat, and Brent Faiyaz have spent the better part of the 2010’s coming into form and finding their signature styles. As some of the more prominent, talented producers in the experimental hip hop / R&B realm, Dpat and Atu both gained a fair amount of recognition among the initiated in 2013. Vocalist Faiyaz made his splash in early 2015, steadily gaining popularity since. Upon signing their allegiances with the Soulection family, both producers released dazzling, emotional projects – both still land favorably on the ever changing bulls-eye of quality music.
This week we were ambushed by quality music across genres and, in this episode we share just a few of our favorite discoveries mixed in with some slightly older cuts you may have forgotten about. Oh, and also, brand new music from Jamiroquai! Continue reading →
International fame and critical acclaim have attached themselves to everything Ta-Ku has released for an unprecedented amount of time. With a stacked resume containing the production of Songs to Break Up To in late 2013, the foundation of Create & Explore, releases under the moniker HWLS, and collaborative efforts with Street Dreams Magazine, Perth’s finest has been hard at work creating a multimedia empire off of his many talents.
His latest EP – appropriately titled Songs To Make Up To – exceeds all expectations in its depth and composition. The latest single from the 8-track EP is a re-composed version of the Atu produced track, “Long Time No See.” The redone version, dubbed “Down For You”, features the intoxicating vocals of Los Angeles singer Alina Baraz.
Baraz, who recently released her own album with Galimatias, harmonizes in the gentle introduction of “Down For You,” over a sparingly light sequence of piano keys, before beginning a dynamic ballad at the 1:15 mark of the song. The unique sounds of Atu are particularly noticeable, especially in the string progression and key resonance throughout.
Ta-Ku has joined together with Atu before, but the release of this sentimental gem by the trio has TMN hoping they plan on coproducing again in the near future. Listeners can purchase the entire album at the Future Classic shop here.
Following Ta-Ku‘s Songs to Break Up To, the Australian artist of multiple mediums took some time away from music to express himself through other avenues, particularly stunning photography and hilarious Snapchats. Much to the delight of fans, Ta-Ku’s ready to craft sonic beauties once again with his upcoming, aptly-titled Songs to Make Up To. After the last stunning, JMSN and Sango-featuring single, “Love Again,” he’s back with another gem from the project this time teaming up with Atu, a master of downtempo, heart-wrenching production.
On “Long Time No See,” the two slow-jam connoisseurs draw you in with deeply emotional piano and a signature Atu vocal sample. When combined with steady head-nodding, hand-clapping percussion, the track fully immerses the listener into an unmatchably calm soundscape. Once you’ve been fully drawn in, a soothing bass vibration ties everything together melting away pain and stress.
Ta-Ku recently gave a TEDx talk in Sydney where he discussed his artistic journey and the reason for his hiatus from music. Unsurprisingly, Songs to Break Up To was written after a heartbreak in his own life leaving him at a loss for musical expression after its release. In his talk, he discusses how he coped with this by turning to other creative outlets before finally being ready to put his upcoming project together–it’s sounding like it’ll be well worth the wait. Songs to Make Up To drops on June 12th and can be pre-ordered now here.
Another super talented artist under Soulection Atu recently released this remix of a James Vincent McMorrow song titled “Glacier”, and as it came to no surprise to us, it became another instant classic. Moving away from the usual indie folk elements, the original is more of a soulful vocal magnum opus. Atu changes the scene of the tune by creating R&B ticks and chillwave beats ad putting them with the vocals of Mr. McMorrow. It takes you on a journey through Atu’s dream filled with chill-out vibes. This here is one of those songs that leave you pondering life and whatnot.
With such high production value, this tune is the epitome of Atu’s work. He always manages to pick the most suitable tracks to remix with. While we would love to see more of his musical diversity, there is no doubt he is one of the best in doing what he’s doing.
Last night, I came across a tweet from Soulection–affiliated producer Dpat that read,“Emotional Dance Music.” While it was likely intended as a joke, this perfectly describes the genre emerging from the impressive LA-based collective whose roster includes some of the brightest up ‘n coming talents in electronic music today. Melding sounds of classic R&B with experimental elements of various EDM genres, the artists of Soulection have created a unique vibe that is airy, lo-fi and relaxing, yet completely danceable.
Earlier today, to celebrate gaining 100,000 followers on their Soundcloud page, Soulection put out a free compilation full of new material that demonstrates exactly how they have gotten to this point. 100k is an incredibly dope collection that captures the scope of the crew’s talents and uniquely soothing style. Feel the feels with a few of our favorite tracks above and grab the whole project HERE.