Happy Leap Day! We got an extra day this February so Focus Five is dropping on the 29th. This month we’ve got a wide variety as usual. Looking for some UK Garage? We got you. Vibey future beats? Of course. Heavy or mesmerizing bass? It’s all here. Just dive in below.
Gemi
Now, I’m technically killing two birds with one stone here, because Gemi is the side project of London-based Stereo Cube, but when I heard the insanely catchy garage that he was making on the side, I knew it was essential to highlight this lesser-known alias. Randomly appearing on my SoundCloud feed one gloomy winter day, Gemi’s ‘Jaffa’ instantly brightened my mood and lifted my spirits. It’s a vibrant bop that immediately left me wanting more, and a dive into his discography delivered just that. Every production from Gemi is uplifting and sure to put a smile on your face while simultaneously making you want to dance, with ‘Want You Close’ being another prime example. A new fifty-minute mix of original tunes is the perfect introduction to the groovy style that Gemi is perfecting, and we’ve got our eyes locked on him as 2020 is sure to be a breakout year.
-SC
Phippo
There’s something to be said about music that’s vibey but still slaps. A perfect combination to put your mind at ease while still being able to get you moving. It seems almost contradictory, but when it comes together it’s nothing short of incredible. UK artist Phippo seems to have this balance mastered. One listen to ‘Boost!’ and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. A hazy melody lures listeners in like a kush-laced siren song before Phippo brings the knock with deep bass, trap “heys” and snappy drums. And that’s just the first half. The back half doubles the intensity and knock for a straight gangster finale with Childish Gambino bars sprinkled on top. Phippo’s flip game is next level too. It’s not easy to take on classics like Kid Cudi’s ‘Day ‘N Nite’ and Childish Gambino’s ‘Oakland,’ but the gifted producer does more than justice, crafting incredible new takes that give both tracks a futuristic bounce. Jump on the Phippo wave now.
-C
SBK.
Trois-Rivières dub titan SBK. sure knows how to craft some sick soundscapes. As though ripped straight from The X-Files score, his tracks are taut with tension, oozing with unease and a feeling of some unknown entity lurking in the shadows. Using a diverse, often international or even alien, list of sounds SBK. is able to transport listeners to far away locales. Always engrossing, his productions excel through subtleties that send shivers down your spine. Take Kingdom Of Sobek for example. It is unclear just where such a place is, but it certainly isn’t a familiar or welcoming one. Even more eerie and outwardly aggressive, the just released ‘One Man’ is a downright deranged dub made of noxious nightmare fuel. Do your dark side a favour and dig into the creepy catalog of SBK.
-OJ
TRETTZ
When you become further involved with the music scene, you hear a lot of music and a lot of artist names. It gets to a point where it becomes rare that friends and others can suggest an artist or track that I have yet to hear of. Despite that, there are still occasions where an artist is brought up that I am not familiar with. TRETTZ was an artist shown to me by a friend and I had to check it out immediately since the name was unfamiliar. The first thing I noticed was the follower count being less than 500, which is a huge indication this could be some underground heat. Choosing ‘When I Die’ for my first listen, my attention was captured right away as I heard the Biggie samples (always a recipe for success in my book).
The production and sound design blew me away and I questioned how I had yet to hear of TRETTZ. Boston based artist, pronounced t-rettz, is a trap and bass manufacturer with Tourette’s. I imagine the creative process is a bit different for someone with this syndrome, and to be able to hear what TRETTZ has made is unbelievable. Whether you are looking for unimaginable originality or a ingenious flips on popular hip-hop tracks, TRETTZ has it all. Keep an eye out for his upcoming contribution to Sub.Terranean compilation Volume V out March 11th.
Zonra
California-based Zonra produces shapes for your ears. Fueled by a passion for skeuomorphism, sound design experimentation, and audible innovation of all varieties, Zonra has captivated audiences with mesmerizing soundscapes since first releasing his debut album Is, Was, and Always Will Be toward the end of 2014. Working fluently within a wide dexterity of instrument samples and textures, the sounds of Zonra can range from guttural bass to luscious, which vividly delineates a creative fortitude that can work inexplicably in a variety of formats.
For a proper demonstration of Zonra’s production range, be sure to check out his latest album Self Online via Danktronics, which he put together over the span of a few months via Twitch live streams. It’s also worth diving deep with the expanse of his SoundCloud profile for hidden gems such as a fully wobbled out remix of Snoop Dogg’s ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ or the collaborative Unraveling EP alongside Somatoast.
-SL
Words by Colin, Oggie, Sam, Steph & Tony.
