Welcome back to On Our Radar, Beatportal’s monthly roundup of the DJs and producers we can’t get enough of.
HASSAN ABOU ALAM
Cairo-based Hassan Abou Alam’s 4-track EP Fasla is a milestone for a number of reasons. It marks Banoffee Pies Records 20th release, Hassan’s 3rd EP and firmly establishes Alam as one of electronic music’s most progressive names. Fasla is perfectly suited to Banoffee’s bass-heavy, UK-flavoured catalogue with tracks packed full of wormhole bass lines and gun-finger rhythms. “Kesibt” is a warbly, electro track with vocals from Egyptian rapper SHBL-LBSH demonstrating the interconnectedness of Cairo’s subcultures. The rapper also contributes to “Fasla,” a hard, fast broken techno production, showcasing the future-facing, progressive sounds of Cairo’s underground. The producer’s no stranger to the international stage with previous releases on Naive, Traum and Midi Life Records and play-outs on BBC Radio 1. There’s no doubt 2022 has Alam’s name on it.
CHLOÉ CAILLET
There’s not much Parisian DJ and producer Chloé Caillet can’t do. The rising star’s adored by the fashion and cub world alike, and has soundtracked fashion shows for Miu Miu, Loewe and Burberry as well as played Glastonbury, fabric and DC10. Chloé grew up between New York, Paris and the UK, and was heavily influenced by the music and fashion legacies of each. As a teen Chloé was drawn to deep grooves and lo-fi bass, as well as the disco and funk, played in her family home. This sonic melting pot created the perfect storm with her debut single “Love Ain’t Over” – a bass-heavy, funk and indie disco track that got the seal of approval from dance music the world over. On February 17th Caillet released a global-facing remix package with cuts by NYC’s No_4Mat, Germany’s Gerd Janson and Turkey’s Carlita. In April, she’ll be debuting her new afro-electro-tinged project with Londoner Josh Ludlow, PVBLIC XCESS, via their freshly minted label, XCESS Records.
GIULIA TESS
Italian-born, London-based DJ/producer Giulia Tess is about to make her HE.SHE.THEY. debut with her two-track I Feel You EP. The title cut “I Feel You” feat. Ell Murphy is a technicolour banger that sits somewhere between drum ’n’ bass and electronica. The second track “Fru Fru” hits a darker tempo, with both tracks exploring themes of love and humanity from differing angles. The EP follows Tess’s release on Ross From Friends’ Scarlet Tiger, Jamz Supernova’s Future Bounce, Mor Elian‘s Fever AM and Ahadadream‘s More Time Records. Tess has made regular appearances at Phonox, E1 and The Cause (RIP), and featured as one of DJ Mag’s Bubblers and on BBC Radio 1’s Introducing. If you want to hear more, listen to the eclectic selector’s monthly Threads radio residency or her mixes for Ransom Note, NTS and LWE.
MARHU
Brussels is a dark horse in Europe’s house and techno scene and brimming with talented producers, of which Marhu is one. Known for her ability to produce dark, gripping techno her latest track “Hooked” with A*S*Y*S released on Fe Chrome earlier this month is a fast and brutal techno rager, cementing Brussels’ reputation as one of techno’s most formidable cities and home to the scene’s most relentless artists. Marhu’s tracks are no stranger to Berghain’s soundsystem, and she’s shared her unapologetic selecting skills at Extreme Outdoor Belgium, Tanzhaus Frankfurt, Magazine Club, Lille and Ampere Antwerp. Her minimalistic, acid-driven sound and unparalleled energy behind the booth has her all set to dominate dance floors and earholes the world over.
KIM ANH
If artists are weather then Kim Anh’s a hurricane. Once dubbed LA’s Club Queen by Vice, Kim Anh’s dedicated her career to platforming underground queer club scenes across the US. She made her production debut in 2015, with a funky-house track on Bonanza Records, and has since released on EMI, Robert Johnson Live, Gigolo International and collaborated with artists such as Craig Williams, Bassdex and Eli Escobar. She recently launched her new label, Can U Not Talk, to support queer artists and amplify the sounds and scenes that light up her world. The label’s debut release After Dark comes from Kim Anh herself; a 5-track EP full of mesmerising vocals, acid-dipped electro, downtempo house and old-school jungle, topped off by a killer remix from Chicago’s Alinka.
SYLVERE
French producer Sylvere returns to Modeselektor’s Monkeytown Records with a muscular 5-track EP packed to the gills with ragga-fuelled drum ’n’ bass and dancehall tracks which act as a celebration of soundsystem culture and a bridge between the artist’s Caribbean past and European present. The EP follows releases on Sans Absence and Trax Couture and appearances on Boiler Room and Rinse France, as well as mentions in TRAX and Groove Magazine. The artist may hail from Paris, but his musical vision extends far beyond the city’s borders. Sylvere’s talent lies in his ability to span genres, styles and paces with club tracks like “Because” sitting side-by-side with high-octane, drum ’n’ bass tracks like “Toys.” He’s more than one to watch – don’t take your eyes off Sylvere.