Since the beginning of this magazine that we have been receiving great electronic tracks. For some reason, we didn’t post about those submissions because we felt they should be integrated into a specific mood. We are now building that mood with a monthly post focusing on the best of indietronica. This is electromental – part 18.
1tbsp feat. mietze conte – No Nein
Maxwell Byrne, the Grammy-nominated Australian artist behind Golden Vessel, has a new side project called 1tbsp, which has been described as a mix of Four Tet, Daphni, and DJ Koze. He has been busy working on new 1tbsp material and is set to release two (or maybe three) EPs this year. ‘Pioneer Digital Plastic Sound‘ was the first single from these EPs and now he has followed it up with ‘No Nein‘ co-written with his good friend Mietze Conte, who is part of an anonymous project from the Austrian Alps. In 2021, Maxwell released a debut four-track EP for 1tbsp called “kanashī” and followed it up with two double singles, while also expanding his DJ performances and supporting artists like Young Franco, BAYNK, and daste on their Australian tours.
Alpaca Beats feat. Tilla – How Do U Feel?
Introducing the highly-anticipated double-single “How Do U Feel?” / “Don’t Catch Feelings” from rising club DJ Alpaca Beats (a.k.a Alex & The Alpaca). This powerhouse release pays homage to classic Dubstep and modern Garage sounds, drawing inspiration from the likes of Burial and Ross From Friends. Created entirely ‘in-the-box’, this nostalgic and dreamy release offers a unique blend of old and new, with a strong groove that is sure to keep you moving on the dance floor. The single also features sampled vocals from unreleased demos by Norwegian artist Tilla. Alpaca Beats and Tilla have a shared history in the artist collective One Kin, and this release is a tribute to their time spent in the collective and the unforgettable club experiences they created together.
A release is perfect for fans of house and garage music who are looking for a nostalgic and dreamy experience. Don’t miss out on this fresh addition to the Oslo electronic music scene.
Chordsplitter – Scattered
Nick Roberts, a 34-year-old British drummer and producer, is the mastermind behind Chordsplitter. This cutting-edge, dreamy synth soft-rock solo project is musically and culturally influenced by both London and Barcelona, where Roberts has roots.
“Scattered” is the first single to be released from the debut album. It’s a joyful yet moody synth-pop shuffle with a bewitching swagger. The entire track was recorded in one take, with Nick Roberts drumming on an electric drum kit connected to synths and sampled instruments. The song features overdriven guitar emulations, brassy synth stabs, synth bass, and an upright piano triggered by the kick, snare, and toms. Dreamy synths and washy tremolo baritone guitar add depth to the cymbals. In the studio, gentle baritone vocals, vocoders, and a harmonizer pedal were overdubbed onto the track. The single will be released on February 3rd, along with a live video performance of the song, filmed at the first ever live show in November 2022.
Jon Lamboy -Energize
Jon Lamboy, a composer/producer based in Florida, creates melodic, atmospheric orchestral scores across various genres including pop, rock, funk, and electronic. He grew up in Wisconsin and took an early interest in music, later taking up piano and guitar in high school. He attended the University of Miami and continued pursuing music while majoring in mechanical engineering. He later joined a cover band and enrolled in Berklee School of Music for film scoring in 2011, where he studied under Pinar Toprak. He now composes and produces from his home studio in Royal Palm Beach.
“Energize“, his latest track, is a pulsating and uplifting track that showcases his skills in creating electronic dance music and nu-disco, blending elements from different musical styles to produce a unique and electrifying sound. The track opens with a funky guitar riff reminiscent of Nile Rodgers, setting the tone for an upbeat and energetic piece. The retro synth lines add a nostalgic touch to the song, while the syncopated bass and varied drum beats keep the rhythm driving forward. With its positive and uplifting energy, “Energize” is guaranteed to put you in a good mood and get your feet moving. The song is a perfect fit for anyone looking for an uplifting and energetic soundtrack to accompany their workout or exercise routine. With its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and upbeat energy, whether you’re hitting the gym or just need a boost of energy in your daily routine, this is sure to deliver the perfect dose of inspiration and motivation.
Lot D – Midtown Tempo
Lot D is an electronic producer and DJ who primarily focuses on house music production or instrumentals for other artists. Now, he unveils his own EP, “Midtown at Midnight“. He felt inspired by his recent move to Toronto; the new experiences that were juxtaposed with a pandemic. Contrast is the underlying theme of the project, like finding warmth in the cold.
The dark and melancholic track “Midtown Tempo” elicits that feeling of finding comfort in discomfort. It essentially started with field recordings in varying environments, capturing the sounds of the subway and ambient city, coffee shop noise and random conversations. You’ll hear a heavy nod to the complexity and rule-breaking of jazz but also the subtle simplicity of early Chicago House, all under a lo-fi veil.
Puder – Of Elephants and Monsters
Puder is Catharina Boutari’s moniker, a multi-talented artist who describes her work as “building worlds“. She is a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and director of operas. She also runs her own feminist record label called Pussy Empire Recordings and incorporates music into theatre productions. With a sparkling creativity and critical free spirit, she is a committed creator of art. Catharina’s diverse background, with an Egyptian father and German mother, has taught her to combine her identities with self-assured confidence. Her latest project, Puder, highlights her solo career. In 2017, she launched the “Session Tapes” series, which gave her the freedom to explore new musical territory. With the world enraptured, Catharina is wide awake and creating her unique artistic vision.
The Hamburg-based artist just released her new single “Of Elephants and Monsters” on her record label Pussy Empire Recordings on February 17th. The soulful indie electro-pop song features political lyrics in both English and Portuguese. During the Reeperbahnfestival 21 in Hamburg, Puder met Portuguese singer Joana Negrão at the international songwriting residency “European Ghosts.” Along with campaniça player Tozé Bexiga (Lusitanian Ghosts), they wrote the song and recorded the basic tracks during the residency. Almost a year later, Hamburg producer, keyboardist, and multi-instrumentalist Tom Gatza helped finish producing the song. “Of Elephants and Monsters” showcases the collaborative efforts of these talented artists.
QUIX feat. SOFI – DROP’EM
New Zealand‘s frontrunning talent QUIX teamed up with renowned singer/songwriter, actor, choreographer, and all-around entertainer SOFI for their new release “DROP ‘EM,” a dark-spoken-word house track that packs a punch. SOFI‘s performance – most recognizable from her work with deadmau5 on his smash “4×4=12” album (“Sofi Needs a Ladder” and “One Trick Pony“) is a nostalgic delight for longtime fans of electronic dance music and new listeners alike delivering style and sass with her rap-style vocals. QUIX‘s production prowess is evident in his seamless blend of hard-hitting basslines and danceable melodies, making “DROP ‘EM” into a promising future festival anthem that’s bound to be blowing up around the globe this season. Both artists also have plenty to weigh in on the track’s inspiration.
$ECRET GUE$T x No Rush. – Wobbin Hood
$ECRET GUE$T always had an early aptitude for music, having learned to play the kazoo at a young age and eventually becoming a professional by the age of 13. He was awarded a full-ride kazoo scholarship to Harvard University, which was the first of its kind, and has since pursued their musical career, producing high-quality work.
“Wobbin Hood” the latest track from the kazoo maestro, is a testament to his prowess as a musician and producer. Collaborating with No Rush, the track is an upbeat and funky glitch hop anthem with a tremendous electronic drive. The track is sure to get your feet moving with its catchy beats and strong elements that pack a punch. With each listen, the song’s impact becomes even more significant, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of electronic music. From its groovy rhythm to its dynamic soundscape, “Wobbin Hood” is a must-listen for anyone looking for a fresh and unique take on the genre.
Most of these tracks (and previous tracks featured in Electromental) are also in our Spotify Playlist: