Alt-pop starlet Calista Kazuko makes music with meaning. A classically-trained jazz pianist and London’s Royal Academy of Music alumna, Calista is beaming with talent and accolades. In addition to her expansive library of knowledge and skill, Calista Kazuko is crafting aural worlds that intersect with human interaction and heritage. Her latest single “Panda” is a profound retelling of motherhood through generations. A feel-good listen that illuminates the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter, “Panda” is at once symbolic and poignantly human. Guided by striking piano riffs, crystalline vocal prose, and sweeping crescendos, “Panda” is a touching, optimistic treat.
36BIRDS - BOY
Music, Original MixCommentPioneering a new era of music centered around hardcore dance music and R&B, Zurich’s 36Birds is a proper innovator. A rising icon in the global queer arts scene, 36Birds finds balance in unsuspecting genres and his latest single “Boy” is a testament to his penchant for obscurity. Somewhere between Frank Ocean and 90s tech-trance, “Boy” exists in a space unfamiliar to many. Despite the track’s unique complexion, “Boy” is gentle on the senses, easing listeners in with warm vocals before shattering open to reveal a complex universe of digital beats and relentlessly thumping bass lines. A righteous juxtaposition, this future-forward, warehouse-ready cut marks the rise of rave’n’b.
CADMIUM & ELLII - CARNIVAL
Music, Original MixCommentBlending mid-2000s trance tempos with the relentless thump of psychedelic house comes Cadmium and Ellii’s new single “Carnival.” Stitched together with futuristic vocals and symmetrical chord progressions, “Carnival” is a vivid tapestry of digital sound. A cinematic, festival-ready relic with a sophisticated and sleek disposition, Cadmium and Ellii’s latest is a force of nature. Nimble and adaptable to the flow of musical time, “Carnival” is an endless ride worth taking.
JEM - LOST
Music, Original MixCommentFollowing an enchanting debut in November 2021 with his genesis single “Secrets,” alternative crooner and full-circle artist Jem returns with another mystifying new single. A haunting, piano-guided single “Lost” bears witness to Jem’s deeply-emotional drawl. A barebones ballad with simple, heart-rendering melodies and damning lyrical themes, “Lost” is painfully immersive. Despite its solemn tone, “Lost” is a magnificent outline of sound and spirit. A carefully constructed lullaby philosophically designed to prompt reflective thinking, “Lost” is an aptly-titled composition that further solidifies Jem’s place in modern alternative music. Listen to this heartbreaking triumph today.
KLEØPATRA - DIAMOND EYES
Music, Original MixCommentMarking her first single of the year, Utah-based DJ and producer Kleøpatra returns to the release radar with an intoxicating new single “Diamond Eyes.” Her newest offering follows up her November released single, “What You Know About” with Scafetta via Emengy. Known for her roller coaster of bass-drenched sounds, the DJ/producer's latest release will leave listeners excited for more to come. “Diamond Eyes” immediately kicks off with hypnotic vocals accompanied by ambient synths building up to a heavy melodic bass drop. Subsonic percussive elements throughout the track infiltrate the eardrums making the track endlessly playable. The rhythmic bassline and mesmerizing melodies captivate the listener, bringing them into a euphoric soundscape. Kleøpatra’s intoxicating production will see her scale the ranks, climbing festival lineups worldwide.
LUCILLE CROFT - PATIENT X
Music, Original MixCommentBAD WOLF HQ is declaring an official state of emergency due to the imminent arrival of Lucille Croft’s post-human form, PATIENT X. What originally began as a project full of ‘promise and possibilities’ - has spiraled out of control and fans worldwide are strongly urged to prepare themselves for a new era of unbridled creativity and mind-bending artistry. In a recent radio transmission from BAD WOLF HQ, Patient X left the below message:
“I was once human, like you. I was under their control, the harder I fought, the worse it got. Every word I spoke, every step I took, all of it, was preordained. I was molded, twisted, shaped, into ‘their’ version of the perfect human, the perfect artist, the perfect woman. They offer you the future, peace, happiness. What they’re really offering is the removal of your humanity, loss of control. They wanted me to be compliant, obedient, they thought this was their solution to deal with me. But they didn’t realize what they’d done, until it was too late. They’ve removed my humanity, but gave me so much more. Power beyond imagination. They thought they could control me, but now, I have the power. And now.. I'm out for blood.”
Having evolved from a biological state, PATIENT X feels no emotion and her intentions are clear; she intends to weave a path of pleasure and destruction like never seen, felt, or heard before. Classified as dark electronic and containing numerous influences from her previously human form, PATIENT X is a dangerous amalgamation of artistic influences that fuses the most explosive elements of the electronic and industrial genres, cutting edge visuals incorporating high-fashion creative and design, and subtle nods to the expansive worlds of science-fiction and gaming. The subject is considered dangerously unpredictable and uncontrollable - approach with extreme caution.
KICE - STUCK WITH YOU
Music, Original MixCommentFollowing his mega 2021 release, “Pusher,” Kice delivers what he cites as the biggest track of his career, “Stuck With You.” Upping the ante, his first single of the year is a sensual piano-house cut that oozes flavor, euphoria, and intoxicating melodies. Further exemplifying Kice’s versatility as a producer, his latest is unlike anything the Chicago-based multi-talent has ever made. “Stuck With You” meshes Kice’s affinity for ambient vocals and a riveting techy buildup with an explosive piano riff. The tried and true combination of production elements results in a stunning slice of infectious house. Speaking on the track Kice says, “This is by far the closest sound reflection of who I am to date. Classic piano and vocals being the main drivers with a bassline to keep the dance floor shaking!"
ESCAPΞ PLAN - JUNGLE (WITH RICH THE KID)
Music, Original MixCommentHip-hop and dance music have never sounded better. Born from the growing power of Web3, Bored Ape Yacht Club DJ/producer duo ESCAPΞPLAN teams up with Rich The Kid to unveil their infectious new single “Jungle.” An amalgamation of rap and riddim-tinged dance music, “Jungle” traverses dance-ready rhythms and catchy bars to create an optimistic, high-energy listening experience. At the intersection of technology and music, “Jungle” is an aptly-titled, dancefloor-ready gem that proves Web3 is more than just visual images. Listen below.
RIP KENNY - LOST
Music, Original MixCommentAt the bustling intersection of metal, punk, and dubstep, the Oregon-based producer RIP Kenny returns with “Lost” – the haunting, sophomore single to his debut LP Escapism. Through this second single, RIP Kenny teases at the intense thematic quality of the album. Taking you through a rollercoaster of emotions, this record brings you into the thick of what is surely a memorable ride along this LP. RIP Kenny is a storyteller, and delivers it flawlessly through a modern bass music package. Combining this with a 1st person experience of his life in the mountains, the album’s story will be brought to life with a full-length visual journey upon its release. “Lost,” with its haunting melodies and twisted dubstep hooks turns heads and ears, continuing Escapism’s quest to touch on deep emotion. Through his authenticity and versatility, RIP Kenny has become one of dance music’s most compelling new voices and is sure to prove himself through his grit.
