Eight Emerging Artists On Our Radar: July 2024
Welcome back to On Our Radar, Beatportal’s monthly roundup of the DJs and producers we can’t get enough of.
Alice Austin
1tbsp
In 2021, Brisbane-based Maxwell Byrne launched his 1tbsp project with a four-track EP called kanashī via Sumoclic. The EP made waves immediately, with laid-back, alternative-dance productions accumulating over 3.6 million streams on Spotify alone. Inspired by such a positive response, Byrne released double-singles “Dhollandia // Circles” and “Stay Up // Rest” and went on to support artists like Young Franco, BAYNK, and daste. while they toured Australia. He hasn’t stopped since, with dozens of singles and EPs, a Grammy Award nomination, a headline North America and Australia tour and named as one to watch in Mixmag and Clash Magazine in 2023. His latest release ”MC1K” came out in July – it’s a percussion-heavy, grooving UK Funky track that combines the full spectrum of his influences with his signature playfulness.
Airrica
In June, Ibiza-based Airrica released her debut solo EP Hi Speed Lover on Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels. The 2-track project encompasses beach-side vibes alongside the island’s clubbing energy, resulting in a track that’s equally at home on a terrace at sunset or close-eyed and neck-deep on a dance floor at 3am. Born in the quiet state of New Hampshire, Airrica spent much of her teen-hood online, digging for electronic music on MySpace and Limewire. She followed her heart to Los Angeles, cutting her teeth as a DJ at underground parties like Incognito and Raspoutine and learned to produce during the pandemic. With releases on Diplo’s Higher Ground, B2B sets with TSHA, performances at Tomorrowland, fabric, and regular appearances at Ibiza’s hottest spots, there’s no doubt Airrica is well on her way to the top.
Kaap
Kaap’s love for old-school, hardware-driven ‘90s Detroit techno and Chicaco house seeps through every one of his productions. The Dutch producer’s released his unique brand of house and techno on esteemed labels ÆX, Intercept, and his co-owned Amsterdam collective De Lichting. His debut EP on Dam Swindle’s Heist label, Sereen, acts as a love letter to the sounds of a bygone era with four forward-thinking vintage house cuts featuring a remix from Wisdom Teeth co-founder K-Lone. Opener “Poor Man’s Paradise” combines rugged machine sounds with musical synths with K-Lone on remix duties, while title track “Sereen" delves into old-school techno territory, delivering a seven-minute odyssey through trippy acidic textures and a mammoth breakdown. “Can’t Believe” combines wall-rattling kick, delayed synths and chopped vocals to make an after-hours anthem. There’s no doubt Kaap’s one to watch.
Slim Soledad
Seamlessly blending techno with percussive baile funk, Slim Soledad is fast becoming one of Brazil’s most exciting new exports. Committed to reclaiming the narrative around Trans culture through her ch3rnobyl Collective, Slim’s music and activism has garnered widespread acclaim from across the dance music world, as well as collaborations with Prada, Burberry, BBC, Dazed, Resident Advisor, and more. Committed to empowering marginalized voices, Slim hosts an electrifying residency on NTS where she shares her eclectic mix of percussive sounds and left-field techno. This June, Slim released her debut EP, Space Manual For Those Who Cannot Swim, which includes her single “Transmission,” a track she’s been playing regularly in her sets, including at Time Warp and Boiler Room. Get ready for five acidic, percussive, left-field techno bangers designed to turn dance floors worldwide inside out.
Wallace
This July, Scottish producer Wallace (full name Jimmy Wallace) releases his Tanzanite EP on Moxie’s On Loop label. The EP is packed full of percussive rhythms and grooving 4:4 beats, with “Tanzanite” and “M’bira” both inspired by a trip Wallace took to Africa with his father as a child. His dad, who'd also worked with David Attenborough in the '90s, was a producer at the natural history unit when they went to Africa in the early ‘00s. He was researching a film which went on to become a BBC documentary. Wallace regularly turns to nature when writing his music, finding inspiration in the rhythms of the world and solace in the great outdoors. After ten years in the business, it’s fair to say this has been Wallace's break-out year. He’s played Panorama three times, debuted at fabric and Glasto’s Block9, released his album Red, Black, Yellow on mule musiq, and EPs on Rhythm Section, Brownswood, Studio Barnhus, CWPT and his own Tartan Records imprint. For a taste of his style and sound, check out his recent NTS mix.
MANTi
MANTi’s made quite the impression over the last few years with a steady stream of prolific releases on labels including Marginalia, Akumandra, Einmusika and New Tab amongst others. Born and raised in Tehran, MANTi got a taste for DJing at house parties as a young adult and moved to LA in 2009 to study music production and sound design. She launched her event series NXT in 2018, championing progressive and organic house sounds in LA and welcoming artists such as Adriatique, Mind Against, Innellea, and Mathame. Her latest EP My Way released on Automatik showcases her slow-grooving signature sound with three hypnotising house tracks. She’s got a lot more lined up – so keep an eye out for a slew of releases on prestigious labels over the next few months.
Luke Dean
In May, breakthrough star of the UK underground Luke Dean released his latest EP Dukey Archives, six house heaters that blend the spirit of the ‘90s with a Chicago twist. The EP follows a ton of releases on heavyweight labels including Polydor, Universal Music, neXup, South, MicroHertz and more, as well as standout performances at fabric, Warehouse Project and After Caposile. His 2023 release "Get Hard (You In The Lobby)" became a viral sensation and chart-topping hit, amassing over six million Spotify streams and topping various Beatport charts. Citing Derrick Carter and Marshall Jefferson as his influences, Luke has developed a unique style that honours the golden era of house music while progressing the sound of the UK underground.
Sonic Rain
Born in London and raised in Budapest, Sonic Rain’s been immersed in the world of music since childhood. Real name Boris Garland, he trained as a contemporary drummer and classical pianist before he discovered electronic music. Sonic Rain combines techno, breakbeat and '90s rave, partly inspired by a stint living in Bristol where he discovered the UK’s illegal rave scene. His latest release “All You Gotta Do” is an acid techno scorcher, designed to turn dance floors inside out as demonstrated at Sziget Festival and Balaton Sound. With a standout Boiler Room performance in December and a debut Hör Berlin set last month, Sonic Rain is winning over fans all over the world, including prolific artists Nastia, Daria Kolosova, Estella Boersma and X-Coast. He’s in his element when performing live – his classical training shines through and takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through ethereal electronic soundscapes.
