Bmbu – Night Shade [Review]

Bmbu’s latest offering, “Night Shade,” is a truly melancholic instrumental. The track centers around a deeply emotive and jazzy piano chord progression. The organic sound of the piano itself adds a beautiful texture to the track while the hazy horn line gracefully floats on top. The simple yet effective lo-fi beat has a classic feeling and it’s non-distracting nature makes it perfect for focused work or relaxation. Interestingly, the track’s repetitiveness becomes really addictive, effectively drawing the listener in. Listen below!

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Ollie the Magic Bum – Big Business [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

Mellow, Minimalist, Magical

What inspired the title “Big Business” and how does it reflect the mood or theme of the track?

The title came after I pretty much finished the track. I had the drums, keys, horns etc. laid down and I vibed with the moody, kinda dark and disorienting feel it had – but then I came across this voice sample that sounded like a 50s American advert, which on its own didn’t sound anything special, but I played it with the beat and it worked, I can’t say how it works really, maybe it matches the warped dusty sounds? I’m sure someone else could answer that!

How do you approach sampling in your music, the spoken word for example?

I just listen to a lot of music, jazz, soul, electronic, rock etc. once I hear something that inspires me or takes me to a place mentally, I get to work – once I have one sample or sound, I tend to base the rest of the track around that with more samples and/or my own instrumentation. I like to experiment as well every now and then, just throw in random sounds and see if anything sticks, and that ‘big business’ spoken word sample is one result of that.

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

In regards to the sound of hip-hop, I would say it symbolises freedom of expression. As long as it has a dope beat then sonically there’s really no constraints, so I can put my full self in the creative process.

Favourite rapper, lyricist and producer?

In terms of all-round rapping ability, I would definitely say Nas – anything you can think of that makes a great rapper, he’s got and more. Lyricist has got to be the GZA, he always brings the crazy metaphors and wordplay. Producer is a tough one, if I had to pick one it’d be Nujabes – people always align him with lo-fi hip-hop but to me, he’s straight up hip-hop. Breakbeats and instrumental beauty.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

I most enjoy listening to music that is both simple but meditative. So I aim to create sounds that can be reflective for listeners. Once I have a musical idea or two that I can work with, I actively restrict myself in numerous ways in order to avoid over-crowding of sounds, or my ego influencing the track. I believe once you put music out in the world, it is no longer yours – so to me simplicity is key to allow space for the listener to apply their own mental framework to it.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I’m big into Daoist philosophy, which is about living in harmony with the nature of the universe (or ‘the way’). So I’d tell my younger self to stop looking to acquire things for selfish needs, instead see and accept things as they are, and work with whatever comes your way.

What is the story behind your name?

“Ollie the Magic Bum” is the name of a non-playable character in the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game series – he’s a drunken homeless man who can magically teleport. As a kid I was obsessed with the Tony Hawk games and would play them for hours on end – the soundtracks in each game were always really cool, they would feature a lot of boom bap and underground hip-hop like Nas, Gang Starr, Lootpack, Jurassic 5 etc. so early on that built my love for the sound and aesthetic of that kind of hip-hop. Whenever I make beats I will often think if it would sound cool to skate or cruise to, if I can picture that then I know I’ve got something.

Thank you!

Alexander Paul Burton [Tremolo A Tiempo]

Alexander Paul Burton is distinguished by his masterful use of sweet, emotive keys.

In the track Soirée, warmly detuned electric keys weave a melancholic melodic theme, perfectly paired with a subtle, steady beat in the background. The track is intentionally crafted with a flat, subdued texture, immersing the listener in a contemplative, almost nostalgic mood.

Plymouth highlights the organic timbre of the piano, delivering a more loop-driven aesthetic. Its repetitive structure creates a captivating, almost hypnotic rhythm, drawing the listener deeper into its spell. Once again, the beat takes a backseat, softly underpinning the melancholic atmosphere without overpowering the production.

S’embrasser sur le gui revolves around a jazzy piano theme, exuding romance and elegance. The gentlest of the three pieces, it feels like a vintage soundtrack to a classic film. The soft, lofi beat remains consistent with the mood of the collection, enhancing the dreamy, wistful tone of the composition.

It’s always refreshing to encounter productions in this genre where songwriting takes center stage—songs that their essence would resonate even if played straight from a piano sheet.

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The Dirty Sample – The Darkness [Review]

The Dirty Sample’s “The Darkness” is an atmospheric instrumental hip hop production that lures you into its eerie, suspense-filled universe with its spooky, hypnotic piano riff. It’s a slow, deliberate build, maintaining its chilling tension from start to finish, as if Michael Myers himself is at home, methodically sharpening his blade, preparing to step into the Halloween night. Simple, minimal yet effective—each note echoes like footsteps in an empty, darkened hallway. Listen while waiting for the inevitable shadow to emerge from just beyond the door.

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DeliBass – Hikaru (Lofi Mix) [Review]

DeliBass, the producer hailing from Australia, has gifted us a delightful auditory escape with his instrumental track, “Hikaru (Lofi Mix).” At the heart of it lies a smooth guitar line that engages in a soulful conversation with dreamy atmospheric keys. The songwriting carries a jazzy vibe, enriched by sweet twists that add a layer of sophistication to the composition. This lo-fi mix is the perfect companion for a laidback afternoon, an ideal soundtrack for moments of quiet contemplation or creative endeavors. Listen below!

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Hero Dog – Mt. Hood [Review]

Hero Dog’s latest album titled “Mt. Hood” is a beautiful collection of short pieces like a gentle rain, with each track feeling like a soft drop of water that soothes the mind and soul. The album can be categorised under the study beats umbrella, but it’s far more than just that. The organic elements that are blended in, add an extra warmth and depth to the already beautifully saturated sound, resulting in a unique and captivating sound that keeps you hooked from start to finish.One of the notable features of the album is how well the sidechain compressors are used to blend the beats with the synth pads, creating a perfect balance between the two. The beats have a lot of power and energy, which is contrasted by the dreamy and ethereal synth lines, making for a truly engaging listening experience. We highly recommend listening to the entire album to fully appreciate its creativity and depth.

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Misha x Evil Needle – chillhop beat tapes [Review]

Misha x Evil Needle’s latest work titled chillhop beat tapes is a genre-blending project that mixes alternative R&B, classic hip-hop, boogie, and future beats into a chill and nostalgic vibe. The drum grooves have a broken, JDilla feeling that gives the music a unique and enticing rhythm and are sure to get your head nodding and feet tapping. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for late-night listening, and the music’s nostalgic undertones add a touch of sweetness to the sound. A beat tape that sounds both fresh and familiar, perfect for winding down and a must-have for your collection. Enjoy below!

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Jasper Williamson x Cenk Esen – Medley [Interview]

Describe your sound in 3 words

(J) Our sound in 3 words would be esoteric, playful, and emotive
(C) Experimental – Projectional – Improvisational

Medley feels as an actual medley of numerous songs indeed. What is the story behind it? What is your creative process like?

(J) Medley came to fruition when we had stitched several ideas together from a session we did together in London, at Jomy’s place. We just played together for a few hours with no predetermined direction… just improvising, and we recorded it all. A few weeks later, I started sorting through the session and began picking out the bits that I thought made the best loops, like you would find in a hip-hop sample for instance, and I found about 10. We wanted to share these somehow so we picked the ones that we liked the best and smashed them together, adding a few things on top as well, like the piano solo. So really, Medley is 4 different pieces that we originally had named: Smoke, Jump, Moment 2, and Delicate… in that order.

What first got you into music?

(C) My parents are both serious musicians so that is definitely the main factor… Even when I was a baby and very young, there was always music playing in our house. I would be taken to my father’s concerts and I believe growing up surrounded with all these sounds subconsciously prepared me to get into music.

(J) What first got me into music was listening to cd’s on my walkman as a kid. And playing drums in the elementary school band, where my teacher gifted me a drum kit and I played it with pencils until I got a pair of sticks.

Favourite album of the past year?

(J) Tough question. Two I really love are “Where I’m Meant To Be” by Ezra Collective and “Damage” by Kim Doeon.

(C) There have not been many albums that I was extremely drawn to this year, but I really enjoyed some of the tracks in Domi & JD Beck’s album “Not Tight” (especially the mixing). Have also been checking the band and album Azimuth recently, even though it is a few decades old…

What does hip hop symbolize in your opinion?

(J) To me, hip hop symbolizes self expression and celebration of life. It is also home to a massive range of emotions and perspectives, and it’s an outlet where people can express both of these things.

(C) I feel like hip hop symbolizes the ability the be laid back rhythmically – in a literal and metaphorical sense. The music’s also really open to unique,personal statements that strive for self expression both with lyrics and instruments.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

(C) I think our music has the vibe to be listened to in any emotional state – whether being upset, excited, joyful, disappointed, melancholic etc… Philosophically speaking, I think the tracks go great with a mind state of contemplation, curiosity about where sounds & art can go as well as being okay with surprises and unexpected turns that the music may take!

(J) I think that people would connect most with our music when they are in a state of mind that is open, self-reflective, and curious.

What is the most useless talent you have?

(C) I am one of the best FIFA (video game) players you can find!! Can also say the same thing about Poker, been very good with the card games since a young age.

(J) I like this question because it makes you realize how many things you can do are actually useful. I am very very good at Mario Kart.. and that’s not super useful.

Thank you!

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MEM_MODS – Harmolodica [Review]

Harmolodica is the new instalment by MEM_MODS a project consisting of  three seasoned touring musicians off the road. The breakbeat infused groove, that feels as time travelling through the 90s, drives the instrumental. On top of that, the track is characterised by the dub flavoured guitars while the added melodica adds the necessary unconventional element to the production. Heavily processed and filled with a plethora of effects, the track will be greatly enjoyed by open-minded music fans who can appreciate a bit of experimentation. Make sure to follow our Spotify Playlist feat. MEM_MODS.

Hot Mustard – Mustard Green

The award winning instrumental recording duo Hot Mustard is back with their latest work titled Mustard Green, a cocktail of funky and jazz hop elements. From the very first moments, the listener comes across with a dusty, trip hop oriented beat which is blended with mellow guitar licks. On top of that the instrumental is enriched with a couple of retro inspired synth sounds adding a vintage twist to the song. Last but not least a naughty, multilayered brass section adds a funky mood to the song. A music project which will turn your routine afternoon into a velvet one. The song comes with a video clip that feels very original indeed and captures the vibe of the song perfectly. Enjoy!

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