Soundclouds of the Underground: Let’s Dance Edition
ABOVE: DUSKY
These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the newest and most exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.
Wherever you are in the world, someone is making something to dance to. Here we highlight a few of our new favorites, sure to light up any party no matter the country.
Dusky: “9T8”
Who: London-based producers Alfie Granger-Howell and Nick Harriman are the dynamic duo behind UK house/techno outfit Dusky, a group who are beloved across the pond for their big, sexy style. Their EP Careless serves as a prime example, boasting groovy deep house bangers that should come equipped with a strobe light and smoke machine.
The Song: Dark, deep, minimalistic sounds comprise the ambiguously titled “9T8,” a track that seems to find the middle ground between futuristic funk and throwback house. A low-pitched vocal sample that’s difficult to decipher dominates the track, navigating towards an ethereal mid-track breakdown.
Current Project: The guys will be performing at Brooklyn’s Output tonight (get all the details here). For more, check out their Facebook page.
AGLORY: “Cara”
Who: Parisian musical partners Geoffray and Anthony are AGLORY, a production duo who integrate industrial sounds into club-friendly tracks. Their remix of Gesaffelstein and A$AP Rocky’s “In Distress” could easily draw comparisons to the former, as both use dark, dismal sounds to create something dangerous yet extremely danceable.
The Song: An ode to supermodel of the moment Cara Delevingne, the track starts with a slow, mysterious build, exploding into a heavy-hitting beat accompanied by a whispering vocal sample. The boys don’t need a lot of sounds to create something epic in size, as proven here.
Current Project: “Cara” was just released on Paranoiak Records. Get more info on the guys via their Facebook page.
La Delfi: “Hay Que Lio”
Who: We found out about this amazing dembow artist via Fade To Mind’s Rizzla, an eclectic DJ/Producer who introduces many international acts in his mixes (as he did here via the recently released “xx UPROAR xx“). To describe the fabulous Dominican talent in words would be an injustice—check out his video for “Mariquiqui” to get a better picture.
The Song: “Hay Que Lio” comes straight from the aforementioned Rizzla mix, and it’s easy to see why its part of the DJ’s repertoire. Delfi’s expressive inflections fit perfectly over the heavy track , its reggaeton rhythm pounding away as sampled horns simultaneously float atop the track.
Current Project: Find out more about La Delfi via his Facebook page.
Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.
