Aurgasm

Sub // Soul // Chill

One could consider Submotion Orchestra a loungy exponent of the dubstep genre. This, however, would do them no justice. The tracks are crafted with more skill and consideration than the average ‘lounge’ sounds, while the subtle approach has nothing to do with the blunt destruction radiated from the average dubstep track. The debut album ‘Finest Hour’ consists of a collection of soulful tracks, pulsating with sub bass fueled emotions & intricate downtempo rhythms, while able to hold their own when stripped down to an acoustic rendition (like the one included below). You can taste ‘Finest Hour’ in full on Soundcloud.

Subtle soul floating on a sub-bass driven undercurrent.
All Yours (Acoustic Version) [get 320 kbps mp3 here]
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Funk // Beats // Soul

Lack Of Afro aka Adam Gibbons has released his third album already, and for lovers of funk, beats and soulful production he should not be a stranger. Often compared to the sound of an early DJ Shadow and besides producing his own LP’s also a producer of acts like The Diplomats of Solid Sound and Frootful, this funky dude is also a frequently asked remixer. Like Mark Ronson, but sans the cheeky funk covers, Lack Of Afro rolls with original samples mixed with original instruments. He manages to make any song he touches sound vibrant with organic soul & deep bass, whether producing a retro soul groover like “A Time For” or the throw back funk sampling “Roderigo”. To celebrate his love of music, you can listen to this special mix on Mixcloud. For more musical tasters also check out the LOA soundcloud page.

Lovingly produced soulful grooves.
A Time For (feat. Wayne Giddens) (from This Time)
Roderigo (from Press On)

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icelandic composer // contemporary classical

The cinematic nature of Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson’s work has led him to work on countless soundtracks for documentaries, shorts and feature films. And In The Endless Pause There Came The Sound Of Bees (2010), composed as a soundtrack for Marc Craste’s award winning animated film Varmints, embodies ghostly choirs, gentle strings, lyrical piano, all wrapped in the barely perceptible electronic processing that Jóhannsson is known for. Largely orchestral and choral, it is recommended for those of you, who enjoy the electronic synthesis of Fennesz, Icelandic melancholia of Sigur Rós and ethereal minimalism of Arvo Pärt.

Painfully beautiful.
Jóhann Jóhannsson – City Building (Alternate Version)
Jóhann Jóhannsson – Rainwater(stream only)
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Songwriter // Jazz // Soul

Stac (Stacey Dowdeswell) is signed to London based label Wah Wah 45s and her debut album Turn That Light Out was released June 21st 2010. This album is produced by label mate Scrimshire & engineered by previously featured Benedic “Nostalgia 77″ Lambdin. The album’s ten tracks have since been remixed into a pair of remix albums (vol.1 & vol.2) featuring versions by Bonobo, Kidkanevil, Hint, Ashley Beedle, Natural Self & TM Juke. Stac’s biggest influences are Lewis Taylor, Jamie Lidell, Erykah Badu and red wine, resulting in songs filled with emotion, subtle layers and an attitude that makes her an artist to keep an eye on.
See for yourself with original album track “Tip”, a mature, intelligent track and its remixed counterpart “Tip (Hint remix)”, taking all that maturity into the club and shakin’ it like there ain’t no tomorrow. All three Stac’s albums are available for download on the Wah Wah 45s shop, including two free tracks from the remix competition.

Blue eyed soulstress from LDN
Tip
Tip (Hint Remix)
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Retro // Electronic-chill

Lance Ferguson is one of the most prolific Funk & Soul producers in the retro scene, being the guitarist and producer for The Bamboos, Kylie Auldist & Cookin’ On 3 Burners, as well as having produced for a slew of acts on the Tru Thoughts, Freestyle Records & Record Kicks labels. On Her 12 Faces he teams up with Australian artist Megan Washington as the main singer among a few instrumental tracks. This second album as Lanu displays the full breadth of Lance’s versatility as a producer and shows he can do more than retro-soul or raw funk. Schizophrenic? Not quite, but many faced for sure. All songs tell a story, be it vocalized or written in melody. “Beautiful Trash” is an uptempo, sunny affair that has Washington bouncing along a retro vibe. “The Roosevelt Blues” is equally playful (both in vibe and execution) and envelops you in a lo-fi sumer breeze.

Australian multi-faceted sunshine sounds.
The Roosevelt Blues (feat. Megan Washington)
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