Six Emerging Artists On Our Radar: November 2023

November 16, 2023 | Words : Cameron Holbrook

Six Emerging Artists On Our Radar: November 2023

November 16, 2023

Words: Alice Austin

Welcome back to On Our Radar, Beatportal’s monthly roundup of the DJs and producers we can’t get enough of.

Check out the On Our Radar Beatport Chart to find tracks from the artists below, along with additional tunes that have caught our attention this month.

BASHKKA

BASHKKA brings the authenticity and flavour of NYC’s ballroom scene into everything she touches. Deriving from the Turkish word for “different,” BASHKKA doesn’t separate her politics from her art, instead using it as a vehicle to express her commitment to SWANA and queer representation in dance music and beyond. This month she releases the vinyl edition of her EP Maktub on UMAY, complete with fresh remixes from some of her talented friends including Roza Terenzi, Hyperaktivist, Sedef Adasi and AKUA. Ever since its digital release in February, the title track “Act Bad” has set dance floors ablaze around the world, earning the esteemed title of Top Summer Hit from Germany’s Groove Magazine. Maktub showcases BASHKKA’s bold writing style alongside technical prowess, which also shows itself off with major attitude on the artist’s new Unholy Hour Remix of “Dance Like We Are Lovers” by Michael Cignarale — the head-honcho China’s iconic queer party and record label, Medusa.

Check out BASHKKA’s latest Beatport chart.

LOODS

Hailing from Newcastle in New South Wales, Loods is a Steel City Dance Discs regular, with releases like “Walking Away” and “Need U” some of the most loved tracks to come out the label. In October, the DJ and producer released “Freedom,” his debut single on Higher Ground, and a piano-laden track full of euphoric bass and soaring vocals from Aussie singer and songwriter KLP. Loods is well known for his high-octane DJ sets and Chicago-inspired house productions, and this record combines all of that and more. He consistently delivers high-impact releases, earning Annie Mac’s Hottest Record and Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune (“Pure Bliss Meltdown”), as well as a mad Boiler Room set at London’s Southbank Centre and mixes for Rinse, NTS and Triple J. Now, with “Freedom,” Loods is taking his production portfolio to the next level.

MIRIN DOJA

Mirin Doja makes her Delusional Records debut with a four-track EP that combines her career as a mental health counsellor with her passion for forward-thinking electronic music. Emotional Intelligence was written during an intense period for the artist, when she was studying to be a mental health counsellor for the LGBTQIA+ community. The first single of the EP “Lips Next 2 Me” (feat. Mars Kasei) is a pop-inspired footwork track written in the dead of a pandemic winter, while “Dreamyyy,” “Golden,” and “Matriarch” are three atmospheric, liquid drum and bass tracks. Mirin Doja used vocals sampled from iMessage voice memos, a lesbian sci-fi TV series, and arthouse cinema to create a collection of tracks best listened to post-rave. Considered one of Seattle’s most respected jungle producers, Mirin Doja draws inspiration from footwork, UK bass and regional club music.

Check out Mirin Doja’s latest Beatport Chart.

LEVITY

Electronic trio Levity just tore dubstep a new one with the release of “Flip It” on Deadbeats. The Chicago crew’s infectious track has now topped well over a million streams less than a month after its release, mainly because it whips crowds into a straight up frenzy. Their style combines club music, bass and dubstep all with a distinct Chicago flavour. “Flip It” is their third release of 2023, following “The Deep” released on Deadbeats in August, and “Moment” on Jadu Dala in September. Thanks to the success of “Flip It” and off the back of a killer Electric Forest set, Levity recently joined electronic hip hop duo Big Gigantic on their tour of the US, and they are currently gearing up to perform some of their biggest show yet this December, opening up for Zed’s Dead. And with support from some of the world’s hottest producers, including Hamdi, Tsunami LSDream, the future is looking bright as ever for Levity.

Check out Levity’s latest Beatport Chart.

MAYA Q

In October US-born, London-based producer maya q released her six-track It’s only Forever EP on Seb Wildblood’s All My Thoughts imprint. The EP is a reflection on the concept of home and the relationships that create it. Written over a period of transition amidst a move to the UK, the EP explores a myriad of emotions through break-filled cuts and down tempo reflections. maya q harnesses sounds that remind her of home in the US, including pool field recordings, piano-heavy indie music and ‘00s RnB samples, seamlessly blended with soft pads and vocal samples. The first single is the title track “It’s Only Forever,” a drum ’n’ bass-leaning, vocal-filled track that encapsulates a sense of nostalgia and anticipation, which also received a stellar remix from Wisdom Teeth boss, K-Lone. It’s a beautiful collection of music from a fresh and promising producer.

Check out Maya Q’s latest Beatport Chart.

DOUVELLE19

This month, Newport-based DJ and producer Douvelle19 releases a new track “Shook” featuring grime star Manga Saint Hilare. It’s an unexpected blend of grime, afro-beat and garage, and follows the release of the equally genre-defying “Green Light,” made in collaboration with R&B singer and produce Harve. Douvelle19 loves to combine genres and explore fluidity of sound, which is why he promotes and headlines Cardiff’s Locally Sauced club night, a fluid and inclusive event that aims to progress and diversify the sound of South Wales, while bringing local and international talent together in the fields of art and music. “Shook” comes from Douvelle 19’s upcoming When I Dream EP out early 2024 – a fusion of pop, R&B, garage, grime and electronic music.