The British are doing a lot of interesting things in music right now, making everything from wistful pop to hyperactive future hip-hop beats, and as we dive in to 2013, we’re keeping an ear out for some of the most innovative sounds from across the pond. We tapped Constant Gardner, our resident Brit who gets a lot of shit for constantly using silly phrases like “innit?” to put us on to some of the most exciting names in British production. Here are some you should be looking out for.
1. S-Type
Starting off 2012 as a virtual unknown, S-Type enters 2013 as one of the most hotly-tipped producers off the strength of his bright, maximalist Billboard EP. Following in the footsteps of Hudson Mohawke, Rustie and Lunice, S-Type is crafting hip-hop beats that are influenced by the UK underground dance music scene. Gargantuan, up-front synth melodies, hard drums and chopped up vocals are the sonic palette with which S-Type crafts his futuristic bangers, and he does it oh so well. Look out for S-Type’s production on some big name hip-hop projects in 2013.
2. Darq E. Freaker
Not content to work with one of the UK’s finest beatsmiths in Rustie, Danny Brown is also going to have production from grime producer Darq E. Freaker on his forthcoming album, presumably after the success of their hyperactive, manic, straight deranged hook up on “Blueberry (Pills & Cocaine).” Darq E. Freaker has been on the scene for a while, having produced Tempa T’s “Next Hype” back in 2009, but recently has been gaining deserved recognition as one of the producers reinvigorating grime production, with a mix of haunting melodies and face-crushing rhythms.
3. Jam City
The Night Slugs label, as well as being fantastically named, has been ruling the UK underground dance music scene for a while now, releasing relentlessly experimental, always dance-floor focussed material from key producers like Girl Unit, Bok Bok, L-Vis 1990, Lil Silva and Jam City. After impressing with EPs in 2010 and 2011, the effortlessly stylish Jam City released his debut LP in 2012, and for many, myself included, it was one of the year’s most exciting releases.
From the cover art to the individual tracks, and as a whole, Classical Curves paints a bleak portrait of a futuristic age where everything is so artificially perfected that all the exciting unpredictability of human interaction has ben lost. Classical Curves is a clinical, chilly and totally engaging album. Jam City promised that there would be more albums in the future, and if hard-hitting experimental dance music is what you’re looking for, don’t take your eyes off this man.
4. Kwes.
Kwes. started his career producing and remixing for artists ranging from The xx to Joe Goddard to Damon Albarn, but luckily for fans of experimental pop music, he decided to add singing to his repertoire, releasing an engaging four track EP entitled Meantime. Combining personal lyrics with intricate, twitchy production, Kwes.’ brand of ambitious pop music has elements of both catchy immediacy and real depth.
5. George Reid of AlunaGeorge
Our love for AlunaGeorge is well documented, and whilst much of the attention is often on the incredibly attractive, angelically voiced Aluna Francis, producer George Reid deserves equal credit for his glitchy, glistening soundscapes and original remixes. He has mentioned his admiration for Pharrell and The Neptunes, but these influences are blended up with the last ten years of British bass music, and dubstep, garage and 2step all make an appearance. From pitch-shifted vocals and shimmering synth shards to off-kilter drum patterns and sub-bothering bass, George’s production always keeps the listener on their toes, without ever straying too far from the duo’s quest for that R&B gem.
Fans of Kwes. would do well to pay attention to Nathan Jenkins, head of Deek Recordings, one third of Nautic, and producer of warm electronic pop as Bullion. After a release on the wonderful R&S Records, Bullion put his vocal skills on display with his Love Me Oh Please Love Me EP, which is a good reminder of just how much offbeat arrangements and experimental production can add to the pop music format. If it’s soft, charming and always interesting pop music you’re after, make sure you follow Bullion and take a listen to Deek Recordings label sampler here.
There are a whole host of artists from all over the world taking R&B in new and interesting directions, and often it is in the production that most of the experimentation happens. Two Inch Punch makes spacey, glittering tracks that pulsate with emotion, and just beg for vocalists to go to work, and on his collaborations with Mikky Ekko and Javeon McCarthy, they certainly did. With his debut album scheduled for a 2013 release, we can hope for lots more atmospheric instrumentation from this man in the year ahead.
2012 saw a sound bubbling up out of the UK scene that seemed to be a shift away from what had become traditional bass music sounds towards classic techno rhythms, with the dark, club aesthetics of the new London scene. Clearly positioned at the forefront of this sound was Blawan, a South Yorkshire producer who has been steadily rising in the ranks over the past two years. Arguably the most recognizable track to emerge from the UK dance world last year was his inimitable “Why They Hide Their Bodies Under My Garage?,” a terrifying, pounding trip into rough 4/4 beats and one unforgettable vocal sample. If there’s one producer you should have your eye on next year, Blawan’s more than earned the attention.
With Hudson Mohawke gaining international recognition both as part of TNGHT and with production credits on Kanye’s Cruel Summer, the time is perfect for another Glaswegian producer, Rustie, to shine. Having released the colourful, maximalist, masterpiece Glass Swords back at the end of 2011, this year has been quiet on the release front for Rustie, who did give us a stellar Radio 1 Mix to remind us just what he can do behind the decks. For Danny Brown fans, this is a producer you’ll soon be getting to know a whole lot better, as he produced three tracks for Danny Brown’s forthcoming official debut album.
This outrageously young duo have had an incredible 2012, moving from bedroom-producer obscurity to packing out clubs, playing festival stages, and even setting up their own label Justus Records. With “Baby Got That,” the duo had a genuine summertime anthem, and all their releases so far have been appropriate for both the club and the headphones, as layers of cascading synths are matched up with smooth vocals, resulting in Bondax’ own, golden brand of shimmeringly futuristic house music. If they keep up the high quality of their original productions and remixes, 2013 could well be a marquee year for Bondax.
Next up from the musical hotbed that is Bristol are My Nu Leng, a duo who’s gritty, low-slung mix of house and garage is as dark as it is danceable. With a forthcoming release on Black Butter Records, entitled “Elite,” it looks as if the two producers will start 2013 as they finished 2012, doing big things. Check out the monstrous “The Grid” backed with “Hips N Thighs” (and its excellently chosen vocal sample) below, and head to the boy’s Facebook page for a free four track EP.
2012 really was the year for young production duos putting their own, melodic spin on house, and Disclosure were at the front of the pack, with their bright, crossover-ready releases. Everything they released in 2012, from their club-destroying remix of Jessie Ware’s “Running” to the radio-friendly “Latch,” was a reminder that age is no barrier to greatness. As these two brothers gain experience, work with exciting vocalists, and continue to slay parties (like their now infamous Boiler Room back-to-back set with Skream), they will be on of the most interesting names to keep a close watch on in 2013.
Nothing, it seems, can really seem to stop the reigning prince of house music, Julio Bashmore, from continuing to dominate the clubs, the festivals and the radio waves. With his monthly residency on BBC Radio 1, the Bristolian consistently demonstrates impeccable taste and selection, while releases like “Au Seve” on his own label Broadwalk show that this man can knock out bass-heavy house anthems seemingly at will. On top of all that, he worked with Jessie Ware on her standout album Deovtion,producing “110%,” and Velour, a collaborative project with fellow Bristolian producer Hyetal have just released another smooth and sultry 80’s throwback jam called “Speedway.” If you don’t know Julio Bashmore, get familiar immediately.
Melé has been producing since the tender age of 14, and even though he’s still young, his talent is undeniable, with releases touching on different styles of dance music on a number of respected labels (Mixpak, Grizzly). On top of his hectic release and remix schedule, Melé has been gigging like mad, and anyone who gets a chance to see him DJ (or listens to one of his mixes) will realise that this is someone with a real dedication to their craft. In 2012 fans of the prodigious Liverpudlian were especially lucky, as he released a free nine track EP (check out the the in your face 808 madness of “Gold Casio”) and hooked up with rapper Kano for a hyperactive club banger. Look out for lots more of Melé in 2013. [Pigeons&Planes]
