Weval, KILIMANJARO - OPEN UP THAT DOOR
Chorophobia – an irrational fear of dancing
Sunrom - Chromatic
Sunrom’s new track "Louder" shows his diverse skills, blending rich production with his singing and smooth guitar playing. The French producer keeps going strong with the release of his first album, Chromatic.
Chromatic introduces the project with a distinct and clear sense of identity, as his signature sound is unmistakably apparent throughout. This is achieved through the use of organic textures and a warm, earthy ambience that envelops the listener. Sunrom’s dreamy, ethereal vocals breathe life into the track, effortlessly gliding and floating over punchy, dynamic drums, shimmering keys, and intricate synth work. These elements collectively contribute to the track’s cinematic and evolving progression, inviting listeners to embark on a journey to a distant, sun-drenched summer memory.
OK Go - Love
One of the best music video magicians did it again. OK Go released a new mind-bending and eye-popping masterpiece for their song “Love”.
The band's latest high-concept music video clip was uniquely filmed in the iconic Budapest train station, utilizing a remarkable setup that included 29 robotic arms, an impressive total of 60 mirrors, and a dazzling array of eye-popping props and colorful costumes that are sure to capture the viewer's attention.
Jamie xx - In Waves
Jamie xx’s latest album, In Waves, significantly shifts from his previous introspective work, embracing a vibrant, dance-oriented sound. In an uncertain world, this album is a call to reunite on the dance floor, echoing the communal spirit of 1980s rave culture. While acknowledging the transient nature of euphoria, In Waves offers a moment of solace, reminding us of the power of music to bring people together even in the most challenging times.
Trentemøller - Nightfall
Trentemøller returns with Dreamweaver, a 10-track album showcasing his signature blend of dark, atmospheric soundscapes with a psychedelic twist.
Featuring vocals from Disa, the album opens with the haunting “A Different Light” and drifts through the hypnotic “Nightfall” before hitting the intense noise rock of "Behind My Eyes."
Balancing between serene moments like "Empty Beaches" and the dynamic "In A Storm," Dreamweaver is both familiar and fresh, pushing Trentemøller’s sound into new, exciting territory.
Washed Out - The Hardest Part
A journey through memory lane.
'The Hardest Part,' from Washed Out's upcoming album Notes From a Quiet Life, will be released on June 28. This marks the first official collaboration between a musician and filmmaker, crafted using OpenAI's Sora video model.
Moving on is challenging. This video reflects the process of letting go of a loved one and the dreams that linger after they've passed. Memories are subjective, often acting as distorted mirrors of reality. I embraced the surreal nature of Sora's dream logic to uncover imagined memories, revealing the distinctive qualities that set AI apart from reality. The video's uncanny details and dream-like movement reflect this blurred mirror of memories.
Gesaffelstein - GAMMA
After five years, Gesaffelstein returns with "GAMMA," his long-awaited album. The French electronic maestro dropped a spine-tingling audiovisual trailer, unveiling the tracklist and snippets of the music. With 11 tracks packed with his signature style, GAMMA is set to mesmerize listeners.
Hard Dreams
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VADEN - Pioneering the UK Garage Movement Beyond Borders
Having previously explored the electrifying sounds of Vaden during his HÖR set in December, we find ourselves compelled to delve deeper into the multifaceted career and artistic vision of this enigmatic DJ and promoter. Our initial encounter with Vaden's music left an indelible impression, sparking a curiosity to uncover the intricacies of the driving forces behind his creative journey.
In UK underground music, Vaden stands as a pivotal figure, straddling the vibrant landscapes of Russian, UK and international Garage scenes for more than 2 decades in a row. His journey, chronicled through collaborations, events, and radio appearances, paints a portrait of an artist deeply committed to propagating UK bass culture beyond its traditional confines. As we delve into Vaden's multifaceted contributions, we unravel a narrative of cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and the transformative power of grassroots movements.
Vaden DJ sets are always meticulously crafted, demonstrating an exceptional ability to blend different sub-styles within the UK Garage spectrum, from 2Step, 4x4, House & Garage to Grime, Bassline and Speed Garage. This versatility allows him to cater to various audiences, from tiny underground clubs to major venues. His technical skill and deep genre knowledge make each performance unique and engaging. Each DJ set takes listeners on a carefully curated journey through the vibrant landscape of the UK Garage. What sets Vaden apart is his distinctive tune selection. He has an ear for rare and unreleased tracks that he usually gets directly from international producers and labels, often incorporating music from emerging artists alongside established hits. This approach brings a refreshing sense of novelty to his sets, keeping listeners engaged and eager to discover new sounds. His diverse selections, from classic UK Garage to contemporary tracks, reflect his commitment to pushing its boundaries.
At the heart of Vaden's story lies a profound sense of ambassadorship for UK Garage within the Russian music scene. His early interactions with UKG originators laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to promoting the genre across borders. Through his pioneering efforts, Vaden has fostered a community of enthusiasts and artists who share his passion for UK bass culture’s gritty, industrial sounds. By championing local talent and cultivating international connections, he has become a linchpin in the global dissemination of UKG, bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of unity among disparate communities.
The reception of UK bass culture in Russia prompts a deeper exploration of sonic authenticity and cultural resonance. There is a palpable authenticity to the sonic qualities of bass music forged in the colder climes of Russia. Vaden's ability to harness this authenticity and infuse it with the vibrant energy of UK Garage speaks to his astute understanding of sonic aesthetics and cultural nuance. Through his radio shows, club nights, and international DJ sets, he has carved out a space where disparate cultural influences converge, creating a sonic tapestry that transcends geographical boundaries.
Central to Vaden's narrative is the ethos of grassroots innovation and community building. From his early forays into DJing to his establishment of renowned club nights like Garage Inflections in Saint-Petersburg, Garage in Moscow, and the most recent UK G events in Tel Aviv, Vaden has remained steadfast in his commitment to nurturing the underground scene. His collaborative spirit and DIY approach have galvanised the Garage community worldwide and garnered recognition from industry luminaries such as Grammy-nominated Todd Edwards and Garage Godfather MJ Cole. Through his tireless efforts, Vaden has elevated the status of UK Garage within Russia and far beyond, paving the way for a new generation of artists and enthusiasts to thrive.
Vaden's influence extends beyond the borders of Russia through his residency on Rinse FM, which has 25+ shows and is a renowned platform for underground music. For over a year and a half, his monthly residency at the station has been a global guiding light for UK garage enthusiasts, spotlighting the latest tracks and emerging talents, including Russian and various other international garage productions.
In addition to his Rinse FM residency, Vaden has made 2 notable appearances on BBC 1Xtra, a prominent radio station dedicated to urban music. His guest mixes on the station have earned him recognition from audiences and industry insiders alike.
Vaden emerges as a central figure whose influence transcends borders and boundaries in the tapestry of electronic music. Through his radio residencies, guest appearances, and signature events, he has cultivated a global community of UK Garage enthusiasts and artists, united by a shared passion for sonic exploration and cultural exchange. As he continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, Vaden's legacy as a bridge-builder and tastemaker within the UK and international music scene is assured, paving the way for a future where music knows no borders.
About the author
Arseny Vesnin founded Designcollector, a platform established in 2003 in Russia. Designcollector is one of the pioneering digital magazines dedicated to covering and supporting the digital art scene and creative communities in Russia and beyond. The platform showcases a variety of content related to digital art, design, and visual culture, providing artists, designers, and creatives with exposure and inspiration. Over the years, it has expanded to include digital art events like the Digital Decade, an exhibition featuring emerging visual artists and designers. Designcollector has always covered the intersection of art, design, music and culture. The infamous “Musicollector Mixtapes” revealed a lot of musicians, DJs and electronic music composers through the last decade. Featuring Boys Noise, Le Castle Vania, Vaden, Ishome, Jean-Michel Do Vale, Echonomist, Olga Bohan, The Explorers, Equateur and a lot more, it expands the way we perceive music and creativity.
Justice - One Night/All Night (feat. Tame Impala)
Exciting news!
Justice has teamed up with Tame Impala for 'One Night/All Night,' marking their highly anticipated return with fresh music after a six-year hiatus. This collaboration, featured on their upcoming fourth studio album, Hyperdrama, is a groundbreaking moment as it's the first-ever partnership between the renowned French electronica duo and the solo talent from Fremantle. According to a joint statement from Justice's leading figures, Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, the track unfolds like a captivating hypothetical scenario: "Imagine a dark, techno-infused version of Justice stumbling upon a sample from Kevin Parker's disco-influenced sound."
Get ready for a musical journey like never before!
Jamie xx - It's So Good
We are soooooo back to cover best music and music videos of 2024.
English musician, DJ, producer and composer Jamie xx created the music for the new COCO CRUSH film by CHANEL.
COCO CRUSH – Some encounters you wear forever — CHANEL Fine Jewelry
Vaden at HÖR - December 2023
Vaden is a DJ and promoter from Saint Petersburg, Russia. He started his music career back in 2001. He became well-known and respected in the UK community and international urban music scene as one of the only DJs who passionately promotes UK Garage music all over Russia and beyond. Some people even call him «Russian DJ EZ»; we couldn’t agree more. We followed his musical path for years and witnessed many of his successes. From local parties in Saint-Petersburg and Moscow and regular gigs across Russia to gigs in London, Paris, and Amsterdam, own radio shows live from London on Rinse FM airwaves; guest mixes on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Kiss FM, Ministry of Sound radio and many more.
As a big Daft Punk fan, we were blown away when Todd Edwards, American Garage House producer and Daft Punk collaborator who co-produced Face to Face & Fragments of Time tracks that later awarded him Grammy, called on Vaden for a guest mix.
We just came across another Vaden’s influential milestone; last Friday, he appeared in the world’s famous HÖR bathroom with a live set from Berlin. If you still haven’t heard about HÖR Berlin, you better get to know on hør.live. It’s an independent music platform that streams DJ sets and live performances daily from their tiny bathroom-like Berlin studio. The sets are streamed on their website and YouTube channel with over 760k subscribers.
What we enjoy in HÖR is their music diversity; they don't stick to any particular music style (even considering Berlin as a Techno capital) and allow artists to express themselves, which is crucial.
Vaden’s set is a flawless blend of UK Garage beats with a darker, deeper vibe that ideally fits Berlin. Track selection and every transition are perfect and fully reflect Vaden’s over 20 years of experience on the decks. We’ve already watched it a couple of times and tried to Shazam some tunes, but it seems like most of them are still unreleased. Later, we found some IDs on Vaden’s Instagram and noticed some great new producers across Russia, too. We are sure that getting a set on HÖR wasn’t easy for Vaden; it’s an international recognition only selected DJs can achieve. But with all his hard work, only the sky's the limit; no doubt Vaden will be able to hit Boiler Room, BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix and more very soon.
björk ft. rosalía : oral
Björk and Rosalía team up to release the ethereal song 'Oral' and save wild salmon in Iceland
Björk and Rosalía recently unveiled their long-awaited collaboration, "Oral." Initially crafted by Björk over two decades ago, the Icelandic icon joined forces with Rosalía to update and release the track. The song, now benefiting the non-profit organisation AEGIS, was revived with new production and the addition of Rosalía, highlighting their shared commitment to combating open-pen fish farming in Iceland.
BOX CAR - Any Other Way
BOX CAR Any Other Way (director's cut)
Label: Monta @montarecs
Creative Director: Olivia Van Rye @oliviavanrye
Story by: Olivia Van Rye @oliviavanrye & Americo Garcia @americo.jpg
Production Company: PANORAMA @panorama.prod
Director of Photography: Nikita Popkovs @nikitapopkov
Executive Producer: Michael Nadalyak @m.nadalyak
Art Director: Nikita Popkovs @nikitapopkov
CGI Supervisor / Artist: Andrew Dree @dree85
Matsu - INERCIA dir. Héctor Ayuso
“I had an idea already in my head for a while, so one day I lay down on the sofa, with my headphones on, and listened to “INERCIA” for several hours, trying to mentally record everything that appeared naturally in my visual imagination, at the same time as I was constructing the “edit” in my head. It was only when I had everything clear that I sat down at the computer to compose the video.”
Arctic Monkeys - Sculptures Of Anything Goes
"Sculpture Of Anything Goes" is a strong release from the Arctic Monkeys that showcases their continued growth and experimentation within the alternative rock genre. Fans of the band are sure to appreciate this latest offering, and newcomers may find themselves drawn in by its infectious energy and imaginative visuals.
Woodkid - Reactor (dir. by Saad Moosajee)
We cannot be more happy to share the latest music video directed by our friend Saad Moosajee for Woodkid
The Blaze - DREAMER
The Blaze - DREAMER (Official Video) New single out now : https://theblaze.bfan.link/dreamer-single
Produced by Iconoclast
Cinematographer: Paul Özgür
Hot Chip - Eleanor
Hot Chip is proud to release their new album “Freakout” and dropped a miniature clay world directed by Alice Kong for the “Eleanor” song.
Nadia Kodes - Traitor
Nadia Kodes is a singer, songwriter and pianist Saint-Petersburg, Russia. She started her career in 2011, won national competitions and was on MTV show Casa Musica (2016). Today she is best known for her piano-based rock compositions, pure voice and emotional performances.
"They can’t find me, I am everywhere". Traitor (2022) is a songwriting masterpiece that has a powerful message. Nadia calls the song her "statement and a reflection of 2022". Interestingly enough, the track was produced by American musician Marko Jankovic.
I’ve known Nadia for more than 10 years, since the very beginning of her journey in the music industry. She’s become an exceptional artist and her new single just proves that.