“Mosaic” by Manatee Commune

Artist: Manatee Commune

Song: Mosaic

Genres: #electronic #House

Location: Seattle, United States

Influences: Caribou, Four Tet, John Hopkins

Release date: June, 2024.

Comment: Manatee Commune is the brainchild of Grant Eadie, a versatile musician from the Pacific Northwest. He has been releasing music under this moniker since 2012. After some initial success, which included a feature on NPR, the pressure to continue growing his audience, a focus on his professional career, and the impact of Covid meant that his output in recent years hasn’t been as frequent as he would have liked. Fortunately for us, last year, Grant’s creative spark became too strong to ignore, leading to the release of ‘Simultaneity,’ his brand new album, just last month.

Eadie’s music is shaped by his love for field recordings, classical music training, and an interest in the entrancing nature of dance. This blend of influences allows him to create a sound that spans ambient, downtempo, house, and bass genres. His serene yet intricate style offers a unique mix of relaxation and creativity, and a great example of this is “Mosaic,” the second single from “Simultaneity,” a track I could listen to on a loop for weeks..

The song opens with a soft, dreamlike atmosphere that slowly builds into a more upbeat, bass-driven section, offering a varied and immersive listening journey. The contrast between the calm and more vibrant sections makes the listening experience all the more captivating. Check it out below!

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“Maya” by Rushkeys

Artist: Rushkeys

Song: Maya

Genres: #chillout #downtempo

Location: Vilnius, Lithuania

Release date: June, 2024.

Comment: Lithuanian downtempo artist Rushkeys first appeared here last December. On that occasion, he was featured for a remix he did of another artist’s track. This time, he’s here with a completely original song that is just as good, if not better. “Maya” is a reflection of Rushkeys evolution as a musician, drawing from influences such as Bonobo and incorporating his passion for nature and organic soundscapes.

“Maya” is a word with multiple meanings depending on the language and the context. In Sanskrit, it can mean magic or illusion, and that is the meaning Rushkeys had in mind when he named this enchanting track, as that’s the experience he wants listeners to have. With its stunning fusion of ambient layers, global music influences, rhythmic beats, and natural textures; it’s easy to see why.

Rushkeys, real name Domas Ruškys, is talented enough to become the next Parra for Cuva or Bonobo, making “Maya” a must-listen for any downtempo enthusiast.

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“Ignition” by Mark Driver

Artist: Mark Driver

Song: Ignition

Genres: #chillout #downtempo

Location: Seattle, United States

Influences: Bonobo, Kisamos, Emancipator

Release date: March, 2024.

Comment: There’s a certain tranquility to driving down a highway with no traffic in sight. You’re alone with your thoughts, the open road stretching before you, and the perfect soundtrack blasting through your speakers. That’s the feeling Seattle-based artist Mark Driver aimed to capture with his four-track downtempo electronic EP, “Ignition.” While the opening track, also called “Ignition,” is the one featured here, the entire EP is worth a listen.

“Ignition” itself perfectly embodies that peaceful highway drive. The downtempo beat lays the foundation, a steady pulse that mimics the rhythm of the tires on the pavement. Layered on top are textured soundscapes and ethereal vocals, weaved throughout the track, evoking a sense of human warmth amidst the digital elements. The overall effect is one of deep immersion, transporting you to that perfect moment of solitude and sonic bliss.

This captivating debut EP hints at the immense potential Mark Driver possesses. “Ignition” is a strong foundation, and it will be fascinating to see where his musical journey takes him in the future.

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“Anhaga” by Mookee (Rushkeys Remix)

Artist: Rushkeys

Song: Anhaga

Genres: #chillout #downtempo

Location: Vilnius, Lithuania

Release date: December, 2023.

Comment: Germany-based artist Mookee released an album titled Alinea earlier this year, featuring a gorgeous downtempo track called “Anhaga.” The title, referencing the Old English meaning of “solitary one”, adds a layer of evocative depth to the music. Mookee then invited several electronic artists to remix tracks from “Alinea” for an upcoming record. Among them was the talented Lithuanian musician Domas Ruškys, better known as Rushkeys, who delivered a stunning reinterpretation of “Anhaga.”

The remix takes the original track’s melancholic beauty and infuses it with Rushkeys‘ essence. This is best explained by the artist himself: “I tried to interpret the tune through my creative voice by taking it somewhere slightly new. I did it by giving more tense electronics, faster tempo and floaty vibe while capturing its original spirit. In
the background of the track I used a recording of me walking through the
snow in the middle of nowhere from my trip in Iceland.”

The result is a track that deserves to be savoured, headphones on, eyes closed, letting the sounds wash over you and transport you to another world. If this doesn’t send you diving into both Rushkeys and Mookee‘s back catalogs, I don’t know what will. They’re undoubtedly artists to watch, each crafting sonic experiences that deserve your full attention.

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“Don’t Forget” by Jakliu

Artist: Jakliu

Song: Don’t Forget

Genres: #chillout

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Release date: June, 2023.

Comment: If you’re looking for some chill and atmospheric electronica to soothe your soul, you might want to check out the work of Jakliu, an Irish producer based in Dublin. His debut EP, Don’t Forget, is a two-track record that explores the complex emotions that arise when one realizes their love for someone is temporary, yet profound.

The title track, “Don’t Forget,” is a captivating blend of ambient textures and delicate plucks that create an immersive soundscape. The vocal chops glide effortlessly over the ethereal backdrop, expressing the urgency and yearning not to let the ephemeral nature of their love slip away. The track evokes a sense of bittersweet longing and introspection, allowing listeners to connect deeply with its emotional core. The second track, “Not For Long, But I Know,” is just as mesmerizing.

Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including classical music, nature, and electronic music, Jakliu has developed a unique sound that blends together different genres and styles to create something uniquely his own. Listen to “Don’t Forget” below.

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