On Our Radar: June 2020

K-LONE

Since 2016, Brighton-based artist Josiah Gladwell (AKA K-Lone) has released a variety of music that ranges from smooth UKG to dub techno, house and beyond. In addition to running his imprint Wisdom Teeth alongside his label mate, Facta, K-Lone has recently shown the world the depth of his production prowess with his debut LP, Cape Cira — a critically acclaimed album packed with lush percussion, evocative soundscapes, and micro bangers. The hypnotic patterns of K-Lone’s productions are as transportive as they come, washing over you with a breezy demeanor that’s warm to the touch.

AZU TIWALINE

Hailing from the oasis city of Tozeur in southwest Tunisia, Azu Tiwaline burst onto the scene this year with her debut album, Draw Me A Silence. The release promptly grabbed the attention of respected artists like Lena Willikens, Peverelist, DJ Haram, JASSS, Violet, Ciel, Laksa, and many more. Using traditional Amazigh music — a sound native to the Saharan region of North Africa — as the basis for her productions, overlaid with dubbed-out polyrhythms and a decelerated techno approach, Tiwaline’s music brings a thrilling new flavor to the underground dance music scene. Recently picked up by Bristol’s beloved Livity Sound imprint, Azu Tiwaline’s forthcoming Magnetic Service EP arrives on July 3.

KILIG

“Kilig” is a Filipino term that, for many, has no English equivalent. It is defined as “the exhilaration one feels by an exciting or romantic experience.” It’s a fitting name for one of the UK’s most exciting new DJ-producers, whose fresh take on London’s signature rave sound feels as evocative as falling in love with a new face on the dancefloor. Their clubland potential has been expressed beautifully through a string of recent releases on Silver Bear Recordings, finding support among heavyweights such as Ben UFO, Call Super, Batu, Midland, and more. With a feverish and dynamic forthcoming EP, It Is Time, dropping on July 3 via Origins, they’re definitely one to watch as they return with another outstanding release.

TAILOR JAE

With her high-octane sonic energy and a majestic technicality, East London’s Tailor Jae’s spitfire sets show no compromise when she steps up to the decks. Beating out 2000 other contestants in 2017 for Mixmag x Coorslight’s DJ Quest competition, Jae continued to hone her craft with precision and a bass-heavy repertoire that led her to a scholarship at Point Blank Music School. From there, she went on to share the stage with artists like Peggy Gou, Artwork, MJ Cole, Swindle, Kurupt FM, and more while showcasing her skills on platforms like Rinse FM, Pioneer DJ Radio, Kiss FM, and her show on Reprezent Radio. Over the past year, she’s started her journey into production, releasing a track on gd4ya with EL -B called “City Life,” and teaming up with the duo Traces for her first single, “Thief” — released via L U C Y’s wildly promising imprint, SZNS7N. Last month she released her lockdown single “Pure Synco” with Sumgii (free download), and as she continues to make serious headway in the studio, the future looks very bright for this accomplished self-starter.

DISTINCT MINDS

The enigmatic and anonymous duo, Distinct Minds, launched their project in April 2020 with the debut single, “Wanderer” — a neon-drenched trip through the ’80s with futuristic drifts and synth-laden nostalgia. Aiming to find “a world between where we’ve been and where we want to be,” listeners can easily find the sense of urgency and exploration that radiates throughout their music. Their second single “Mirrors” is a cosmic 4×4 driver that will put light trails in your eyes and make you push down on the accelerator pedal. For the creative concepts behind the forthcoming album and single artworks, the duo has teamed up with visual mastermind Indigo, who has played a massive role in bringing their full artistic vision into view.

Cameron Holbrook is a staff writer for Beatportal. Find him on Twitter.