Lone – “2 Is 8”
British producer Lone was responsible for one of the most infectious singles of 2013 with “Airglow Fires,” a track that features a hip-hop inspired outro, hinting at a possible new avenue for the artist. “2 is 8,” the latest single from his upcoming album, Reality Testing, is a mesmerizing blend of hip-hop and house, channeling J-Dilla with it’s spry, bouncing feel. The vibe perfectly captures the producers wide array of influences, showing an impressive mastery of texture and movement as the track closes out with a lush, emotive synth breakdown.
Bicep – “Nova”
London via Belfast duo Bicep recently shared their latest cut, “Nova,” an exclusive that will appear on Will Saul’s upcoming DJ-Kicks mix. Like many of their tracks, the gritty percussion and soaring vocal samples makes for a 90’s house feel with subtle, yet elegant transitions. Look for the track on Saul’s mix due out June on !K7 records, which also features tunes from George Fitzgerald, Youandewan, Leon Vynehall, and Axel Boman.
Oliver $ and Jimi Jules – “Pushing On”
Although summer isn’t quite here yet, the latest track from producers Oliver $ and Jimi Jules has all the makings of one of it’s early defining anthems. With soulful vocals and an infectious, loose groove, “Pushing On” is an incredibly blissful slice of house music sure to see plenty of rotation in the upcoming months.
Mix of the Week: Frankie Knuckles – “FADER Mix”
In honor of the passing of one of house music’s founding fathers, this week’s mix comes courtesy of the godfather himself. Frankie Knuckles, the legendary Chicago producer/DJ recorded this hour long mix for FADER magazine last year, which features some of his most noteworthy remixes including the effortlessly smooth rework of Hercules and Love Affair’s “Blind.” Undoubtedly one of the most important figures in dance music history, take a moment to listen/ download below.