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Music Producer Blog & Promotion

Spyndycyt existentially unravelled over a four-to-the-floor Avant-Garde beat in ‘I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore’

Spyndycyt’s latest single, ‘I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore,’ amps up the sonic signature scribed through his prior releases, giving the electrifying track a pulse of EBM while keeping true to his erratically eccentric vocal style as he unravels over a narrative of existentialism and frayed with chaos strobing synth lines.

As quirky and kinetically rhythmic as Neuroticfish and The Gothsicles, as experimental as, well, it’s pretty hard to draw a comparison in that domain, this latest single from Spyndycyt proves how succinctly he can command a four-to-the-floor beat that injects symphonic elements of the 90s rave scene.

It’s a broadsiding tour de force that is undoubtedly as effective at altering your brain chemistry as electroshock therapy. Bite down on this exploration of mistrust, betrayal, and the crushing, ever-growing suspicion that all your deepest and unspoken fears are true.

Contrasting the dark thematic undercurrents of being a terminal disappointment, the solo artist ensures that I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore oscillates through euphorically rhythmic hedonism to sugar the pill you will want to swallow time and time again.

I Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore is now available to stream on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Teck-Zilla Talks Collaborations and Innovations in Music Production

This week, we sat down with Teck-Zilla, a multifaceted producer, DJ, and writer who co-founded Str8Buttah in addition to influencing the hip-hop and Breakin’ scenes across West Africa. In this exclusive interview, Teck-Zilla peels back the layers of his collaborations, notably with artists like Phlow and Maka, and explores the essence of creating breakbeats that fuel the spirited dance culture. His journey from the soundboards of London to the serene vistas of Cornwall reveals not only an artist deeply rooted in musical heritage but also one who continuously evolves to meet the collaborative and cultural shifts in the music industry. Join us as we explore the rhythms and reasons that keep Teck-Zilla at the zenith of musical innovation.

Teck-Zilla, welcome to A&R Factory! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us about your accolade-decorated career as a producer, DJ, writer and founding member of Str8Buttah. Your collab history with international emcees is nothing short of impressive; what was it like working with Phlow and Maka and contributing to the ‘Breakin’ culture in West Africa? 

Thanks for having me. For me, collaborating with artists has always been in my DNA, but working with Phlow and Maka was and is special, and it opened doors for all of us. Initially, it was just supposed to be a one-off project for Maka and Phlow, but the creative process was seamless and invigorating so we just kept on making music. Also, the experience put me in the project managerial role and taught me a lot of lessons about people and conflict management.

As for the Breakin’ culture in West Africa, there is a huge community of dancers who have been keeping the culture alive and some have even represented their countries on the Redbull BC One stage in the US and Europe. I got into the Breakin’ space around 2016 as a DJ, and over the years, I immersed myself in the culture. From providing the breakbeats for dancers, working with the biggest indie companies like House Of RoyaltyLoudbaseAfrobreak, and All Star Battle International to produce Breakin competitions around Nigeria, Ghana and Togo. Overall, I have been opportune to step on stage in different countries as a Deejay/Music producer, speaker, and workshop facilitator.

What equipment and software is essential in your home studio set-up?

My home hardware setup is primarily a Windows pc and Macbook Pro with an SSL 2+ Audio Interface. My software of choice is as follows: FL Studio for making the beats (sometimes recording vocals and instruments), Reaper for vocal/instrument recording, mixing and mastering, Serato and DDJ SR2 for scratches (if required)

Do you have to adapt the way you approach collaborations?

Most definitely. Collaborating is not a one-size-fits-all process. I always have to adapt, rearrange and sometimes compromise on certain things to make the collaboration work. The short story is that the collaboration has to be organic and everyone has to be on the same wavelength.

What’s your proudest achievement to date? 

This is a tough question but I may have to compartmentalize it as follows.

Production-wise: It has to be my audio documentary ‘Son Of Sade: An Ode. A short project where I remixed some Sade songs and it was well-received by the general public and even her team.

DJ-wise: Winning a DJ competition in 2017 and being flown out to South Africa alongside Black Coffee.

How do you balance your artistic vision with commercial demands?

It’s mostly about compromise and doing things in moderation while looking at the target audience. Regardless of the genre, I always try to infuse my unique touch into it to keep the authenticity. I don’t see the point in imitating others.

What inspired your move from London to the laidback county of Cornwall? 

So many things ranging from a change of pace, escaping from the hustle and bustle of London, to an opportunity I could not afford to pass up. To be fair, it was because of school. I was awarded a scholarship worth a substantial amount of money to do an MA in music business, and yeah, I took it up and recently completed the degree. My second MSc is in the bag!

Your success suggests you’re incredibly disciplined, how else does that discipline manifest in your day-to-day life? 

My discipline comes from the way my parents raised me and my lifelong martial arts training. I was raised to be considerate and forthcoming and to always put in the necessary work regardless of how difficult it is. I have been following this strict mentality from time immemorial, and it is second nature to me. Every day is preplanned, and I try to achieve little goals which all add up to the larger goal.

How do your tracks typically come to fruition? 

Most times, it starts from a bright idea, a suggestion from others and or a sample. I tend to create rough beats at first and flesh them out later as time passes. for the most part, I often let the composition and arrangement play out as naturally as possible and I’m always open to suggestions and ideas from artists I work with.

What can your fans expect from your upcoming self-produced compilation featuring Canibus, Blu, Planet Asia, Elzhi, Clear Soul Forces, JD Era, Camp Lo and others?

The compilation will be my last project, and it’s a summation of my musical journey. A chronicle if you will of the songs that make me tick. I was able to work with artists I grew up listening to and admire so that is a blessing and the best way to close out this chapter of my life.

Stream the latest hits from Teck-Zilla on Spotify and follow his career on Facebook and Instagram.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Micah! is California dreaming in their latest alt indie pop release, STAY UP

You don’t need Micah!’s bio to tell you that they’re a Cali-residing artist, you can hear it in the dreamy warmth of the hazy melodies in their latest alt-indie-pop single, STAY UP, which teases nuances of hip-hop into the mix with sharp pseudo-rap cadences in the verses.

After honing their songwriting, recording and production skills for a decade, STAY UP is a catharsis-soaked culmination of all the time invested in their unflinching dedication to carve out a niche that listeners will want to nestle into time after time.

Fans of the deliciously delirious tonal palettes alchemised by NewDad, Jibba, Just Mustard and other contemporary indie icons in the same vein will find endless appeal in STAY UP, which is yet another attestation to Micah!’s potential that has already been actualised after the artist opened for Snoop Dogg and hit the 1 million stream mark on SoundCloud.

STAY UP was officially released on September 19; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Radio-Activity haunted the dancefloor with their house anthem,  Ghost of You

Radio-Activity’s single ‘Ghost of You,’ may have been released this summer, but it is veritably one of the hottest Halloween EDM House drops of 2024. The anthem juxtaposes luminously lit euphoria with dark, moody, atmospheric chills that wrap around solid basslines, crafting a soundscape that haunts as much as it kinetically adrenalises.

Though initially known as a rock powerhouse, Radio-Activity has indisputably found their forte in the EDM house arena. The cleverly constructed track has allowed them to emerge as rock stars of the EDM genre. With ‘Ghost of You,’ they invite listeners to find the rhythmic rapture in being haunted by your own heart in the aftermath of a breakup.

Like The Prodigy, Die Antwoord, Skrillex, and Pendulum, who were welcomed into the rock community with open arms, we anticipate alt-music fans finding just as much favour in the fervour of this release. What genre they will dip into next is anyone’s guess, but with their chameleonic talent, it isn’t likely that they will go lower than the high bar set by ‘Ghost of You.’

Stream Ghost of You on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Atrionix painted a neon-lit skyline in his synthwave score, Nights

Sinking into Atrionix’s, standout single, Nights, is so much more than hitting play on an instrumental score; it is diving headfirst into a neon-drenched skyline after dusk.

Short, yet undeniably affecting, the retro-futurist single sets a high bar for anticipation of what’s next from the promising artist. With just over a minute of runtime, Atrionix, the stage name of 19-year-old Londoner Rahul Dasgupta, proves that brevity can indeed be the soul of wit—and of intrigue.

Nights sweeps you up in a rush of synth waves, echoing the energy of a city that never sleeps, each note painting streaks of light across the dark canvas of the listener’s imagination.

After earning his stripes as a pianist, violinist and guitarist at a young age, Rahul had naturally progressed into electronic production by 12; his creative ambitions and passion for sound palettes have never faltered. With his sights now set on becoming a hitmaker and his production style as honed as Empathy Test’s, his career path is going to be paved in gold.

Don’t mistake Nights as a short and sweet instrumental, recognise it as a bold statement of what’s to come from one of the most promising up-and-coming artists on the scene today.

Stream Nights on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Elevated Focusion reanimated the 90s rave scene in his trippy industrial electro-pop anthem, Disco Devil

Elevated Focusion electrified the middle ground between Deadmau5 and Lords of Acid in his alt-electronica anthem, Disco Devil, which features Dime De San and closes his eclectically epic LP, Dark Nights.

With endless transgressions in style, tone and momentum, the synthesis of EDM, electronic rock and industrial pop reanimates the hedonistic euphoria of the 90s rave scene with dark beats, demonic drops, and devilishly dualistic female vox which deliver Shiny Toy Guns-esque euphony in one breath and scathing fury in the next.

Elevated Focusion’s ability to seduce the rhythmic pulses and create dancefloor-worthy anthems follows early exposure to the NY rave scene and an era of experimentation in his earlier project, Johnny Rhythms. In 2023, the Elevated Focusion moniker was born, followed by the eponymous collaborative LP, which deserved to be as revered as the Judgement Night soundtrack, Peeping Tom’s self-titled release and Chase and Status’ No More Idols LP.

Stream the Dark Nights LP, which hit the airwaves on September 20th, via Spotify now.

Connect with Elevated Focusion on Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Confront the introspective abyss with Locian’s kinetic darkwave art-rock release, Shadow on the Wall

Dance with the darkness within to the tempo of Locian’s most affectingly kinetic electronic art-rock release yet, Shadow on the Wall. The rhythmically augmented earworm from Australia’s most introspective solo artist is so much more than just a sonic drop into the oversaturated airwaves. It intensifies the anticipation for Locian’s forthcoming LP, Fears, Reflections & Shades of Time, as the solo artist continues to define his distinctive electronic rock style, weaving his signature synthesis into the rhythmically charged compositions of philosophical reckoning.

Emotionally charged revelations about facing the hidden aspects of one’s identity diaphanously drift through the installation of dark etherealism as the track’s pulsating synths and sharply defined guitar lines inject a vibrant, high-energy feel into the release which offers a scintillating study in contrasts. It juxtaposes the vulnerability inherent in introspection with the robust instrumental forces that symbolise the tumultuous battle against inner demons.

Originally envisioned as two separate pieces, Shadow on the Wall evolved into a unified narrative that advocates the importance of acknowledging and embracing one’s darker sides. After winning audiences across Sydney and Melbourne over with the single, the core message is set to enlighten the darkwave domain while setting a high bar for cerebral lyricism.

Shadow on the Wall was officially released on September 13; stream the single on all major platforms, including SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ride the synth waves in Dry’s latest alt-electro hit, DON’T GO

Dry finessed the future of alt-electro with his latest single, DON’T GO. With the synths delivering a unique flavour of cybernetic hyper-pop-adjacent funk into the adrenalized installation of retro-futurism, it is impossible not to get caught up in the kinetic hype of the genre-bending track.

The single’s foundation is laid with a robust bassline that pulsates through the melody, offering a deep, resonant contrast to the sharp clarity of vintage analogue synths. These elements combine to craft a backdrop that is rich in texture and brimming with infectious energy. The breakbeats act as a homage to the classic eras of hip-hop and Drum and Bass, infused with a modern twist that keeps the listener locked in and moving.

Adding complexity to this already dynamic mix, Dry’s vocals, autotuned to the edge of synthetic distortion, serve as a bold statement on the artificiality of modern pop. This choice is a clever nod to the genre’s roots in electronic manipulation, pushing the boundaries of vocal treatment into the realm of the experimental.

Each beat in ‘DON’T GO’ reflects a deep appreciation of Dry’s influences—from the intricate jazz time signatures that defy conventional expectations to the funk-infused grooves reminiscent of Jamiroquai and Steely Dan.

Stream DON’T GO on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Rafał Przewłocki & Dr Gin summoned a sonic djinn to the dancefloor with their dark techno anthem, Sila

Rafał Przewłocki and Dr Gin conjured a sonic storm with their dark techno anthem, Sila. Like the mythical djinn from which the track takes its name, the single possesses an otherworldly magnetism that commands every moment it occupies.

The deep pulsations and nuanced shifts in momentum drive listeners beyond the edge of euphoria, an experience fuelled by the high-octane energy manifested by the experimentally luminary producer. Yet, don’t mistake experimentalism for a lack of precision; Sila is a carefully orchestrated ride through a meticulously constructed soundscape.

The Middle Eastern influence permeates the production, as ethereal Eastern vocal lines and the melancholic hum of the duduk breeze through the relentless beats. These elements open a vast expanse within the track, creating a sense of depth that leaves plenty of room to sink into its electrifying power. While the rhythmic intensity of Sila will undoubtedly flood your senses through your home speakers, it’s on the dancefloor where the full weight of the track will possess and devour your senses.

There’s a seamless interplay between the feminine and the sinister in the single which submerges listeners into its darkly atmospheric world. And with every drop, every subtle shift in rhythm, Sila teeters on the edge of chaos, while retaining a scintillating sense of control.

The official music video for Sila premiered on August 31; join the 7.4k watchers who have already caught the hype by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: Will Sync injected depth into Deep House with his EDM club anthem, Take a Shot

With his latest hit, Take a Shot, Will Sync went beyond riding the waves of Deep House; he went against the current to emerge as an unreckonable force in the genre in the same sonically hedonic vein as David Guetta and Calvin Harris.

The UK-based EDM producer dropped a bomb of a track that takes all the familiar elements of the genre and fuses them with something undeniably more. From the first beat, the track hits hard with its signature bassline, drawing you into its relentless energy. Yet, it’s the layered textures that push Take a Shot to the forefront of the EDM scene, injecting a refreshing depth into deep house that will undoubtedly command the dancefloor.

Co-produced with Paul Stanborough, Take a Shot balances a unique vocal contrast that elevates the overall intensity of the song. The interplay between ethereal female vocals and the deeper, darker male vocals brings a fierce dynamic to the track. It’s a combination that pulls listeners into a world of feverish euphoria, while the tight production keeps the tension simmering just below the surface.

If you’re sick of hearing EDM heavy-hitters and chart pop hits on the dancefloor, lock into how he synthesises deep house with more mainstream dance elements to build a sound that is as focused on creating a danceable groove as it is on capturing a sense of reality—something Sync believes the club scene has been missing. It’s a move that’s already paying off, as evidenced by his rising star status, recognition from major names in the industry, and his growing catalogue of hits.

Stream Take a Shot on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast