The island of Yara will not be the same after a corrupt president takes unnecessary action against the residents who do not comply with his order in the new game Far Cry® 6 via Ubisoft. The game features the music of composer Pedro Bromfman which takes a neo-classical and Caribbean approach. The Music of Yara LP has been unveiled for this world-renowned game. This soundtrack takes a vibrant approach with reggae, salsa, and Afro-Caribbean notes.
Ubisoft Music shared their excitement on socials: “New Far Cry music alert! Listen to our latin-themed playlist featuring the best tracks of the Island. Including exclusive tracks from Porfi Baloa & Gabylonia #FarCry6 “
The LP consists of noteworthy Venezuelan musicians Porfi Baloa and Gabylonia who have both had their share of commercial success for their work. The Island of Yara is painted in one colourful picture with this latest offering, showing us the lively and electric atmosphere its inhabitants create when they are free to roam as they please. There is definitely a diverse palette needed for the game’s music, but we are not mad at it.
LP tracks ‘Camino Revolucionario’ & ‘Sueños de Libertad’ feature on the Spotify playlist POP_GROUND.fm
Image credits: Sweep by Eveline Schuyff / WTCHCRFT by Guarionex Rodriguez
Announcing their collaborative album burning the most beautiful thing I’ve got, set for release on the 8th of September, music producers sweeep and WTCHCRFT have created magic with their new track ‘overlooked’. The album was recorded between Worms studio in Rotterdam and Elektronmusikstudion in Stockholm. We are delighted to see this unique collaboration of influences work together to deliver what we can only imagine being one dynamic forthcoming album release. We can confidently say this after listening to ‘overlooked’ for ourselves and being completely in awe at how mellow yet bass orientated this track is. Today we are pleased to exclusively share this song with our 80h8 community today. sweeep is a Stockholm born music producer that blurs her sound between bass beats to the more ambient qualities of the electronic music sphere. WTCHCRFT has prior experience in producing hip-hop beats for names likes GBC and Bones, even though he now follows a more industrial sound today. Together this pair create electronic synergy in one sound.
Gozé, is the alias of producer/artist Sebastian Fritze. Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden and currently based in Venice, CA, Gozé is deeply inspired by the melodic hooks and beat-based poetry of 90’s Hip Hop. The project began with a simple concept in mind: to have a new featured artist on every track he releases, ultimately infusing each song with a fresh vibe and keeping the listener on their toes. Fritze is also a member of the acclaimed indie rock band Grizfolk.
His latest single “Wish U Well”, features New York rapper LoftBlue and Los Angeles artist Sakari. The 90s hip-hop inspired tune is rich in poetic production, emitting a cool, laid-back aura. Starting off with an icy intro, the smooth beat and deep bassy burn shifts into an alluring emporium of vocals from Sakari, giving off buckets of class and creating a cool, mellow atmosphere. Gozé divulges, “I get inspired by songs that take you on a journey. I wanted the listener to feel like they start somewhere and end up somewhere else and at that point say ‘wait, is this the same song?’ to then bring them back home again.”
With the intention to create music that brings an essence of nostalgia, whilst being fresh and new, Gozé delivers a surprise with each and every release. He confides, “I love hearing a track and being able to recognize instantly who produced it. The Neptunes, Timbaland, Dr. Dre had such unique sounds that their productions almost became the artist itself. My intentions are to create that with Gozé.”
Over the years, Fritze has performed to sold-out arenas, at venues including Red Rocks and Radio City Music Hall and on shows such as David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and many more. His previous release “Chasing Dreams” features rapper Old Man Saxon and trans activist Shea Diamond and is the official song for Hulu’s Original Documentary, “Changing The Game.”
Radiating with positive vibes and spreading love through his music, musician and creative MAUVEY has announced a series of single releases for the rest of 2021, along with music video’s directed by MAUVEY himself. This Ghana-born music producer grew up in between the U.K. and Vancouver, Canada. Exposed to a diverse range of musical influences growing up, the artist crafted an eclectic sound fusion of alternative pop meets hip-hop. Definitely an artist to watch, MAUVEY has been supported by names like Huw Stephens and BBC Music Introducing’s Gemma Bradley on Radio 1. We are thrilled to present MAUVEY’s new double single ‘Sunday Afternoon/ I GET IT ’ via 604 Records with the 8oh8 community today.
MAUVEY shares: “‘Sunday Afternoon’ is not just about FOMO, it’s not just about the best night out ever, it’s not just about having so much fun that you come back home on Sunday Afternoon. It’s about being so obsessed with someone that only the biggest night out of all time will get your mind off them.”
박혜진 Park Hye Jin has released the second single from her highly anticipated debut album ‘Before I Die’. Following the wistful house of lead single ‘Let’s Sing Let’s Dance’, ‘Whatchu Doin Later’ sees Hye Jin switching between the sung chorus and verses rapped in her native Korean and highlights another side to an album that encapsulates the electronic, rap/hip-hop and downtempo sensibilities of this multifaceted artist.
‘Before I Die’—set for release on 10th September on Ninja Tune—is entirely written, produced and performed by the South Korean-born and now LA-based the producer, rapper, singer and DJ, and comes on the heels of a string of collaborations, working with the likes of Clams Casino & Take A Daytrip (“Y DON’T U”), Blood Orange (“CALL ME (Freestyle)”) and Nosaj Thing (“CLOUDS”), plus a remix from Galcher Lustwerk (“Can you”).
It follows the release of her hugely successful ‘How can I’ EP, with Hye Jin drawing widespread support from the likes of Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Jezebel, FADER, DAZED, i-D, E!, Resident Advisor, Exclaim!, Hypebeast and many more. She was additionally featured in numerous ‘Best Of 2020’ lists from Billboard, The Guardian, NYLON and others, included in the NME 100 list of ‘Essential emerging artists for 2021’ & V Mag’s ‘Generation V’ series, and highlighted by British GQ and Stereogum as ‘One to Watch’. The EP’s lead single, ’Like this’—hailed by Mixmag as one of the “best tracks of 2020” and featured on the FIFA 2021 soundtrack—was supported across BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music (where it was playlisted for multiple weeks) with plays from Annie Mac, Clara Amfo, Lauren Laverne, Phil Taggart and many more. In the US the track was #1 of ‘Top Electronic’ in the NACC Charts (North American College and Community Radio), and in the ‘Top 200’ overall, with further support from KEXP, KCRW, SiriusXMU and more.
‘Before I Die’ is set for release on 10th September on Ninja Tune, with Hye Jin also heading out on a run of North American tour dates later this year which includes a co-headline show at Elsewhere with Shlohmo, III Points Festival in Miami and more.
When reality became too much, ELUNIA created an alternative existence. A singer-songwriter-producer executing all of her own visuals, the New Hampshire-based recording artist captures the endless meaning of human interaction as an immersive experience. Her music delves beneath the surface, with striking electronic textures, soaring melodies, and observant, probing lyrics.
Although trained in music from an early age, it was the discovery of transforming feelings into creative entities that inspired the emerging songsmith to chart a different path. The multi-instrumentalist began writing and producing incessantly, hiding away in school practice rooms as a coping mechanism for the isolation she faced in the world around her. Fragments of thought noted in the midst of heart-wrenching moments evolved into ethereal, liquid atmospheres. Co-producing with multi-million streamed producer JMAC (Haux, Luz), the result is a flood of wild self-expression channeled through cinematic soundscapes.
Her new five-track EP DEEP END is a fresh and fluid, deep-blue dive into ELUNIA’s waves of emotions narrating the motions of life as an outsider. Sonically, the EP has classical undertones under a mystical, oceanic bed of electro moments, all carrying dark currents with a glitter of hope. With gentle swirling synths and ELUNIA’s tender vocals, each single shows the progression of the young artist’s personal development through an observant lens of mental health, exploring the societal pressures of conformity vs. individuality. She explains, “The listener follows my path to finding a feeling of purpose, from the growing pains of bullying and exclusion to discovering people and experiences where I felt wholly accepted, and for the first time, at peace, with my own identity.”
Leading single “Pressure Points” speaks of idolizing someone through a struggle with mental health and the fear of losing them. ELUNIA describes, “It’s not like someone is outright saving you, but more that they’re just existing in the right places and the right ways, and it’s really subtle, but that makes it all the more powerful.”“Pressure Points” features cries of hazy guitar falls and atmospheric keys, all shimmering with authenticity. The mellow track includes original voice memos with birdsong floating in the background, resulting in a hypnotic and peaceful delivery and ultimately giving listeners a moment to breathe and appreciate our inner strength.
Looking for a rap-infused bass listening experience that features lyrics with integrity? We did as well and then we found it in the electronic bass outfit Ultimate Fantastic’s latest song ‘Who Now?’, which is set to feature on their next EP project Gadzooks via renowned bass record label Gravitas Recordings. The EP is slated for official release tomorrow and we are thrilled to present you with another track to feature on this release; ‘Keep Moving’. When listening to this track please ensure you have ample space around you, as listening to it will fire you up to a point that you may end up bouncing off the walls. The band formed after performing together at Burning Man and have been inseparable ever since. ‘Keep Moving’ is a vibrant bass track that is filled with a poised attitude, and that is what 8oh8 is all about. As we wait for the full EP to be unveiled, please enjoy ‘Keep Moving’ below.
On “A Tenuous Tale of Her”, Poté (aka Sylvern Mathurin) marks the debut album release for Bonobo’sOUTLIER imprint. He shares emotive single from the album titled ‘Stare’, in which we see the Paris based artist reflect on his own experiences with mental health. “It’s a song about being in a vicious cycle with anxiety and paranoia” he explains, “where we feel there’s no escape, no space to breath”.
‘Stare’ arrives shortly after the announcement of “A Tenuous Tale of Her” and lead single ‘Young Lies’ ft. Damon Albarn, which received widespread support from the likes of Pitchfork, NME, Line of Best Fit, Consequence of Sound, Stereogum, XLR8R and Mixmag who described the single as “an energetic cut that pulsates with vibrancy and life”. Poté has also received praise across a wide spectrum of supporters in the past, including Annie Mac, MistaJam, Phil Taggart, Nina Las Vegas, TEED, Pierre Kwenders, Jamz Supernova, Laurent Garnier, and Toddla T. He’s been featured in Bonobo’s 2019 ‘fabric presents’ mix, featured on 2019 Africa Express album “EGOLI”, produced remixes for Little Dragon and Gorillaz, and recently performed on Colors Berlin.
Channelled through an imagined theatrical performance with a pre-apocalyptic setting, “A Tenuous Tale of Her” provides a record that’s tough, tender and grand all at once. The connections Poté has built along the way speaks to the variety of his influences: with connections from Lisbon’s kuduro-fused Enchufada label, to Benji B and Damon Albarn, he’s built a sound that’s packed with ideas and musical touchstones alike.
Poté’s music has always balanced contrasting impulses. On the one hand, there’s the rhythmic, celebratory music of his Caribbean upbringing, and on the other, there’s his interest in exploratory, emotive songwriting. On this record, he takes that approach in a bolder direction: immersive and atmospheric, it’s a platform for those two sides of his music to strike a fresh dialogue. It’s the latest chapter in his journey to find newer and bolder ways to express himself. On this record, more than any project he’s released so far, Poté undoubtedly opens up – both in his sound, and in the parts of himself that he reveals.
For Fans of: Squarepusher, Aphex Twin, u-Ziq, Jerry Folk, FENGSEL
Jungle fans marvel at the sounds of Jerry Folk’s latest single ‘Dotted Red’. The single released last friday and was produced along Folk’s side project FENGSEL, which is bound to be the word on everyone’s lips in the months to come. Why is this you may ask? Jerry Folk will be releasing his first album in his career under the FENGSEL name. This album is rumoured to be years in the making. Be prepared to hear a new sound that contrasts with the music producer original acclaim.
In a conversation with The Playground (read interview) about his ‘Everything’ single, the music producer shared: “I’ve had a lot of side projects. Folkestad and some stuff on Soundcloud. Right now my new side project is FENGSEL. It’s gonna launch with this single and the upcoming album. It will be released as both Fengsel and Jerry Folk because Fengsel is the universe I want the album to exist in and since it’s a slightly new direction for Jerry Folk.”
Indeed this is a new direction for the producer that has performed on the stages of Coachella and opened for renowned electronic act Odeza in recent times. ‘Dotted Red’ is a huge leap from the Jerry Folk we know, with its feathery jungle atmosphere but we are loving this new direction for sure.
Jerry Folk previously featured on Muze FMwith song ‘On My Way (ft. Bearson)’
Interview with emerging dance music producer AIR APPARENT
Bouncing between electro-pop, trap & dance music, you are bound to feel the need to tap your foot to the floor listening to AIR APPARENT energetic dancefloor soundscapes. A rising musician currently sitting over 45,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, AIR APPARENT is known to collaborate with other emerging musicians on all of his releases. Neil Sethi, known popularly as AIR APPARENT shared his dancefloor worthy hit ‘Bad For Me’ via Pug Life Records last month featuring noteworthy singer GESS is sure to put you in high spirits.
We asked AIR APPARENT a few questions about his favourite memories thus far since pursuing a career in music.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
I began appreciating curated music in a serious way when I was a freshman in college and got involved in college radio. At the time, the best way to find new music was blogs and Hype Machine! Since then, the landscape has shifted a ton. I started getting into making music around the same time, working on a few childhood-inspired tracks that blended emo/pop-punk with experimental electronics. Some of that has stayed with me today!
Take us through your list of dream software/gear you would like to get?
I’d love to get some serious analog synthesizers like a Moog or a Prophet. So far, I just use digital versions :). I’d also love to get a bunch of non-digital instruments like a Nord piano and a couple of guitars, just to open up the possibility of making music away from a screen every once in a while.
What do you need with you when you sit down to write or produce?
I typically start by opening up a DAW and a notepad/text editor and jam on a midi keyboard. Stuff kind of opens up and unfolds from there!
What other artistic revenues do you pursue?
I write and produce some music for other artists and am looking to get into Twitch streaming soon :).
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?
I think studio work and music creation is the most magical part, but I’m excited to spend more time connecting with audiences in person as we near the end of the pandemic.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
I think releasing ‘Asking You’ was pretty amazing. It was a track I threw together relatively quickly, but definitely the first time I felt there was a widespread appreciation for some music I felt I cobbled together.
Name 3 artists you would love to collaborate with in the future
Abhi the Nomad, Jai Wolf, Louis the Child.
Do you think music should provide social commentary and reflect the current world?
I think music could provide social commentary – but I don’t think music needs or has to be anything specific. I think the only thing music should be is an authentic representation of what an artist cares about.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
Look forward to a virtual music festival gig later this year and an album in the summer.
