Artists You Should Listen To!
The discovery of new music in the boundless expanse of the digital ether seems to be an effortless affair, while the screening and appreciation of the true gems among them pose a challenge of immense magnitude. With dedication, we commit ourselves to the task of repeatedly bringing some outstanding or exceptional artists into the spotlight, those whom we encounter on our journey and who we believe deserve to have their art heard.
This is by no means to diminish the appreciation for those still awaiting their discovery. In this edition, we focus on the realm of Electro, drawing inspiration from experimental Jazz vibes and Synth-Pop sounds, and endeavor to introduce you to some exceptional artists who are worth being heard and experienced.
HANS FRANS, known for his eclectic mix of acoustic and electronic elements, released the single “Ich Bin Hier Nicht Alleine” on May 16th. This dreamy and jazzy piece of music evokes bittersweet memories and transports us back to a hopeful past in a picturesque Spanish coastal town.
“Ich Bin Hier Nicht Alleine” is the advance release from his upcoming EP “Nicht Alleine,” which will be released on June 6th. This EP marks his second publication in the year 2024. The characteristic lo-fi maximalism of HANS FRANS, which he perfected with bands like Gene Gene and the Songchoo Club, distinguishes both his compositions and his unique production and editing technique.
Synth-pop from Germany may not be new, but the bands continually prove their ability to reinvent themselves and cast familiar melodies in a new light. Explain Colours is one of these innovative groups, and with their single “HEATWAVES,” they demonstrate that they can break the boundaries of their genre.
They describe it as a liberation from the usual genre conventions and showcase the fascinating diversity of synth-pop with this release. It’s the catchy melodies, a song structure that both surprises and immediately catches the ear, and of course, the vocals and lyrics that precisely strike an emotional chord. Explain Colours, a band from Münster, definitely deserves to be heard.
Low Monroe & The Fugitives are already familiar to us, and with their track “Club Monroe (Dexsyn Dolls Remix),” they are now exploring the world of remixes. While “Club Monroe” once took us to a gloomy nightclub where entry demanded a tribute of blood and suffering, this remix strays a bit from the original to commit more fully to dark danceability. The remix adds an additional layer of deep house and techno elements to the already dense atmosphere of dark industrial post-punk. Fantastic version!
The Hong Kong-based artist Ink Element is next on our list, standing out with his new EP “WESTLORD” in the realm of alternative electro. “Westlord” is a collection of beats, samples, and fine melodies that convey a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. “Splitska Panda” is an instrumental piece that blends genres like techno, melodic house, and electro-synths, paying tribute to the nocturnal energy. “Modular (wordless)” is a sun-drenched fabric of beats, samples, and vocoded sequences that combines African rhythms with future house, and it’s my personal favorite of this EP.
Last but not least, we come to Gisel from Belgium, who with light retro-house vibes brings back certain memories, but then merges with modernity to escape into the sound of the future, a musical project of a French-Belgian artist that represents a bold mix of radical pop and produces ‘Presque,’ a must-listen.
It’s a representative diversity that demonstrates the constant evolution of the musical landscape and proves that there’s always room for something new, even in genres we think we know. They all deserve recognition for their ability to inspire us, move us, and take us on a journey through the world of sounds.
