Strip Steve - Last One and I’m Out
Outstanding track that is, with a beautiful intro into a mesmerising drop. A synth lead that sticks with you all day, and for good reasons. This is probably my favorite piece from Waxtefacts. This label still inspires a lot today by the way each artist incorporate their own texture, while being all united with the same sound somehow.
Gabin - Doo Uap, Doo Uap, Doo Uap
A track we used to listen during family time in summers when I was a teenager. What a treat this one is. It oozes that sunny jazzy house vibe, with an immaculate sample chop and a beautifully crafted drumbeat. It basically defines what I love about jazz house music : simplicity at its best, while not being easy. It might seem easy to make a loop with a sample, but choosing the right sample and building around it is a whole new level. It’s a neverending quest.
Lone - Sleepwalkers
One of my personal favorites from Lone. He embarks us in new sonic territories, while still mastering his signature sound. It’s light, yet it has a lot of depth and the outro is simply delightful. Lone is an artist I profoundly admire for 2 main reasons : embracing his sound signature, and not being afraid to dig into diverse genres. You can feel and listen to his various inspirations in his music, but you know it’s a Lone track within the first seconds. That’s commitment, and this is truly beautiful.
Hania Rani - Eden
She’s my favorite piano player, and this album is a work of art. The composition, the texture, the delicate sustains and touches on the keys is just poetry to my ears. My life feels like a movie when I listen to her music. I bought tickets to go see her live with my Dad. He doesn’t know it yet and it’s gonna be his Christmas present. What a great night it’ll be.
Chihei Hatakeyama - Spica
My personal favorite ambient artist. Probably the ambient artist I’ve listened to the most. The way he manipulates his guitar and outboard gear to make his drones is just pure talent. This track in particular feels like time is still for a second. I truly get lost in its loops. I listen to quite a lot of ambient music, anf the way he always builds up uplifting music is special. Mastering this level of control in ambient music, with such simple elements, is a work of art. If you haven’t already, please check out his live performances, it’s just chef’s kiss.
Cotonete - Layla
Modern jazz at its best. The arrangement, the production, the finesse. And that second part with all the solos, that’s what we live for. I played drums in a jazz music school for 5 years, and I was surrounded by talented musicians. It’s a humbling experience to often get to play with great performers, and jazz is a lot about feelings. We learned about improvisation a lot, but we also were expected to just be excellent at our instruments. That’s what makes jazz so good : do it seriously without taking yourself too seriously. And I think Cotonete perfectly sums that up.
