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Like an intravenous shot of adrenaline to the rhythmic pulses, MAEVE’s dance-pop anthem, Secret Places, is a kinetic tour de force

Posted on 23 January 2025

If the placid pop trend is leaving you uninspired, MAEVE’s latest single, Secret Places, shatters that monotony. The progressive dance-pop anthem, laced with ecstasy and unapologetically empowering lyricism, pulses with the kind of energy that could send a dancefloor into a frenzy. Listening solo? You can still expect sharp shocks of electricity to the soul and senses.

Each drop in the track feels like a rush of pure euphoria, perfectly tailored to sync with your heartbeat. Short of injecting adrenaline directly into your rhythmic pulses, there’s no better high than cranking up the volume on this perennial pop earworm.

At just 21, Maeve is already carving out her own path as a multi-genre artist. Originally from Massachusetts and now calling Miami home, her powerhouse vocals and sharp-witted lyrical chops reflect the influence of artists like Lorde, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus. With roots in pop, folk, RnB, and country, her versatility fuels the authenticity of her sound. As a student at the prestigious Frost School of Music, she’s mastered the art of fusing vulnerability with a sense of empowerment, creating tracks that resonate with intensity.

Secret Places is a testament to her high-energy ethos and exploratory spirit. The track is swathed with self-confidence and clarity, embodying Maeve’s belief in embracing life’s challenges and carving out new beginnings.

Secret Places is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Preaching to the Converted: Nicco Lupen’s ‘Sunday at Church’ Reimagines Worship on the Dancefloor

Posted on 22 January 2025

Nicco Lupen’s latest single, ‘Sunday at Church’, doesn’t just bring beats to the congregation—it delivers the gospel of tech house with an intricately cultivated sense of purpose.

Hailing from Italy and now based in Prague, Lupen has carved his reputation on grooved-out rhythms, deep basslines, and euphoric melodies, earning recognition on platforms such as Spotify, SoundCloud, and Beatport. But with this release, he transcends the archetypes of house music by imbuing his production with a soul-affirming euphoria that hits deeper than the average dancefloor anthem.

By swathing his pulsating rhythms in sermonic samples, Lupen invites listeners to experience the transcendence of music as energy. It’s a far cry from the hand claps and foot stomps referenced in the samples, which bring the rhythm to church, but the mix is sanctifying sonic scripture all the same. Lupen wrote a New Testament by blurring the lines between sacred spaces and late-night clubs. The vocal outpours contextualise the track beyond its beats, urging reflections on how rhythm and ritual connect people across all walks of life.

The call to communion challenges the predictable structures of tech house and carves a cerebral edge into its hypnotic progressions. Nicco Lupen’s ability to bridge soulful introspection with dancefloor ecstasy solidifies his position as a standout in the electronic scene.

Sunday at Church is now available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Contrasts Collide: The Eclectic World of ‘Abyssinian’ by The Soft Parts

Posted on 20 January 2025

With abyssinian, the standout single from their sophomore album, The Soft Parts unfurled a texturally intricate sonic tableau which refuses to settle into predictability.

Opening with cinematic neo-classical grandeur, abyssinian invites listeners to stroll through the golden age of film scores, before the chill of avant-garde influences begins to weave through the organic warmth of the basslines. Playful polyphonic keys soon take centre stage, creating a delicate tension as each instrumental element works in purposeful juxtaposition to the next. When the neo-classical keys return with greater tenacity, they anchor the composition, ensuring it never spirals into abstraction despite its eclecticism.

The Soft Parts, the project of a Houston-based composer and sound artist, brings together a unique palette of influences spanning classical music, art rock, cocktail jazz, and lounge music. These influences shaped abyssinian into what could best be described as funk-inflected art pop, dipped in the moody magnetism of New Tango and Arab musical textures.

abyssinian pulls listeners into its orbit, making them feel the landscape of its creation as it swaggers, scintillates, and soothes in equal measure. If you want to stray away from sonic monotony, hit play.

Abyssinian was officially released as part of The Soft Parts’ sophomore LP, innuendo, on January 3rd; stream the single on all major platforms, including Spotify, now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Hypersonic Waves and Jazz Grooves Convene in 8udDha bl0od’s ‘1001’

Posted on 20 January 2025

With 1001, the peerless UK visionary 8udDha bl0od delivered an intergalactic masterstroke that pulls listeners into a 15-minute sonic vortex. This extended installation of experimental electronica demands attention with hypersonic waves of synths sculpting a pulsating, mind-melting backdrop. Amid the chaos, the echo-laden vocals, laced with a haunting familiarity reminiscent of Manson, act as the tether that keeps the sprawling soundscape grounded.

As the track unfurls, the frenetic energy begins to shift gears. Low-slung basslines slide into focus, bringing a melodic sensibility that pulses with a jazzy swagger. Percussive grooves weave rhythm into the arrangement, creating moments of respite before the sax flourishes transport the track deeper into jazz-fusion territory. Yet, no matter where the instrumentals wander, the scintillating sequences of synths stay on a loop, taking strategic pauses to allow the rhythm and melody to breathe, creating a dynamic interplay that keeps the release teetering on the edge of chaos and cohesion.

8udDha bl0od proves with 1001 that experimental doesn’t have to mean alienating. The track is as much a technical feat as it is a visceral experience, carefully constructed to push boundaries without losing its hold on the listener.

1001 is now available to stream on all major streaming platforms, including SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Breaking the Mould: An Interview with r/ginola on Bold Soundscapes and a New L

Posted on 18 January 2025
r/ginola

With an unmistakable knack for pushing boundaries and weaving intensity into every track, r/ginola is a genre-defying artist carving his own path from the unlikely backdrop of Connecticut. Having honed his craft through years of experimentation and evolution, his music is an unapologetic blend of moody cadences, raw emotion, and influences as diverse as shoegaze, nu-metal, and modern trap. In this candid interview, r/ginola opens up about his tumultuous artistic journey, the deeply personal themes behind his forthcoming 8-track LP, and his unrelenting commitment to authenticity in an industry often criticised for its uniformity. From his creative process to his take on vulnerability, this conversation offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist determined to leave a mark.

r/ginola, welcome to A&R Factory! It’s a pleasure to sit down with you and discuss the release of your upcoming LP. Before we get into the music, we’d love to get a better understanding of who you are as an artist. How did you get started and where has your music taken you so far?

I started about 4 years ago as more of a way to vent my feelings and frustrations that I had at the time. I showed friends the stuff I was making during a smoke sesh and they really encouraged me to get in a proper studio and take it seriously. That period was very dark but I’m glad I went through it. It allowed me to fully express things but also find myself as an artist and really made me open to new ideas or sounds.

Fast forward to now, after 3 rebrands in terms of name & genre, and over 100 songs, I feel I’ve really grown as an artist, and I am currently making my best stuff. The old stuff was cool (a lot of it is deleted) but the new stuff is basically a blend of what I was making previously.

What’s the most satisfying/challenging aspect of your craft?

Hmm.. the most satisfying to me is creating songs. I enjoy the writing bit, coming up with different flows and then putting it all together. The most challenging bit is mixing/mastering. I’m not the greatest at it but I normally try to tweak it to how I would like it and how it would sound in my car

Can you describe the unique elements that define your sound?

My sound to me is different from anything you hear currently. It’s hard nowadays for artists to really stand out because there is a lot of copy and paste but with my sound, I worked hard to make it different.

My delivery/cadence is very moody, and I think that comes from my time making shoegaze/nu-metal music. The lyrics are very sexual or aggressive at times, which is basically my usual nature.

What’s the story behind your 8-track release?

Whenever I drop a project, I always try to paint a picture. The picture is created by expressing everything I have dealt with in my life through relationships, friendships and miscellaneous things. This project, in particular, is about me falling in and out of love with an ex. I don’t wanna dive too deep into it, but you get the gist. I should also add that when it comes to the story/lyrics of each song, I leave it up to the listener to interpret it however they see fit.

How would you say the release reflects your identity as an artist?

This release is me. From the lyrics to the story to the energy to the sound, this project embodies everything I set out to be when I initially started.

How do you balance vulnerability and creativity?

When it comes to writing I pretty much lock myself in a certain period of time in my life and remember what it felt like. The more vulnerable I am the better the lyrics I believe. I try to keep it from sounding like I’m whining and keep it very fun so people are able to connect with it better. Sappy love songs just aren’t for me. I like to make mine sick and twisted, very dark at times.

You’ve cited influences ranging from Deftones and Static Dress to Yeat and Young Thug. How do these varied inspirations manifest in your music, and are there any nods to these artists on this record?

Jeez, I could talk about each of these artist for days! And there are loads more, LOADS! But these have been very prominent in my artistry. I’d say Deftones for sure has played the biggest role, Chino Moreno for me is god (I’m glazing heavily and I don’t care haha), I love that guy dearly! From songwriting to singing to energy to just about everything, he heavily influences my music. I love Static Dress for their visuals as well as their sick storylines, Oli is very cool!

Going by the standout single, sssnake, you’re clearly one to push the boundaries of sound design, where did that boldness as an artist come from?

I’ve always been bold. Maybe too bold at times but I like being this way. You can’t be afraid to take risks or try new things, you just gotta go for it and stick with it. Will it get you in trouble sometimes? Sure, but who cares! Be different, enjoy yourself!

How has your location shaped your artistic journey?

Umm I mean I feel like it kind of blessing but also a hindrance. I’m from Connecticut, so not too many people know of the state or where it is. There aren’t many artists or any artists for that matter that have made it out. But I also feel like that’s because everyone is trying to sound like everyone, and since Connecticut is unknown, no one wants to hear their story. They’d rather listen to someone from California, Florida or New York if the story is similar. For me, I’m in my own lane; there is no one making this kind of music here. And I love that!

What does 2025 have in store for you?

We will see together hahah I’m hoping to tick some boxes off the things I’ve been manifesting but I won’t be disappointed if things don’t go as planned. End goal is to just continue putting out great music and enjoy every second of it!

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Stream r/ginola’s new 2025 LP on SoundCloud now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

‘sssnake’: r/ginola’s Venomous Dive into the Electronic Spectrum

Posted on 17 January 2025

With sssnake, the up-and-coming artist and producer, r/ginola, strikes again, delivering a sonic venom that bites hard and fast. Forgoing the usual slow-burn build-ups, the track hooks instantly, plunging listeners into a speaker-slamming anthem that meshes bass-heavy EDM with hyper-pop chaos. The glitchy techno interjections and euphoric house swells create a kaleidoscope of sound that refuses to play by the rules, colouring far beyond the conventional lines of electronica.

Building on the foundation of his first official release, Edgar Allen Poe, a genre-defying electrotrap banger, r/ginola continues to scribe his unique sonic signature across uncharted auditory territory. While his chaotic approach to production lands firmly in the remit of modern trends, his distinctive style carves out a space that’s entirely his own.

sssnake not only showcases r/ginola’s adventurous approach to sound design but also hints at his potential to become a trailblazer in the EDM scene. With a tighter structure and a little more polish to his sound, he could be poised to dominate the electronic frontier.

sssnake was officially released on January 17th; stream the single on SoundCloud and Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

NI-RAVE earned a PhD in rhythmic anatomy with his techno anthem ‘Play Right’

Posted on 16 January 2025

With ‘Play Right’, NI-RAVE proves himself as a sonic architect capable of building euphoric tension and releasing it in ways that defy expectation. Hailing from Mumbai, NI-RAVE (Nirav Advani) has crafted a reputation for his versatility and profound understanding of techno’s rhythmic anatomy, synthesising electronic textures with an innate sense of pacing.

After cutting his teeth as an electronica artist at just 14, NI-RAVE has evolved from small, intimate events to prestigious international stages, with global releases on labels like YHV Records and Trippy Code Records.

‘Play Right’, a standout from his 3-track EP, Karma, featuring collaborations with techno heavyweight Datlow, pulses with kinetic energy. NI-RAVE’s meticulous progressions lead the listener into a sense-seducing frenzy of anticipation for the drops which he teases with tantalising precision, ensuring the build is just as exhilarating. His ability to subvert rhythmic expectations pushes the boundaries of the genre without losing its intrinsic dancefloor appeal.

The track’s hypnotic and subtly transformative textures echo NI-RAVE’s philosophy that techno offers a healing escape.  Having shared stages with artists like Stereo Express and Almost Human, NI-RAVE is shaping the rave scene’s future with his innovative touch.

Play Right was officially released on January 3rd and is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, as part of NI-RAVE’s 3-track EP, Karma.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

lullaby pushed the boundaries of sound design with ‘despairing boy aspiring poet’

Posted on 15 January 2025

For their latest release, the 18-year-old Belgian producer lullaby (Sana) sculpted an immersive 35-minute auditory odyssey which offers a seamless plunge into introspection. despairing boy aspiring poet begins with an ambient trip-hop atmosphere that immediately sets a reflective and transcendent tone; as the release evolves, glitch-wave textures creep in, wrapping around the psyche before the calm is shattered by bass surges that arrive without warning, only to fade just as quickly.

The distorted, autotuned vocals amplify the emotive intensity as they caress the semi-lucid motifs that dominate the record which isn’t content to sit comfortably in one genre; evidenced by the post-hardcore instrumentals which disrupt the ambience, only to give way once more to sublime serenity.

Drawing inspiration from ambient music’s emotional depth and the raw energy of dubstep, lullaby juxtaposes atmospheric textures with evocative melodies, crafting tracks that resonate both cerebrally and viscerally. Their self-taught production skills are wholly exhibited as they push the boundaries of sound design, orchestrating contrasting textures into a wholly unique sonic identity.

With curveball after curveball, lullaby ensures the audience is never static, constantly shifting between serenity and chaos.

Stream despairing boy aspiring poet on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dreams of Zephyrus synthesised the chill of disconnection with their alt indietronica release, Stone Cold

Posted on 13 January 2025

With their latest single, Stone Cold, the indie experimentalist Dreams of Zephyrus tore down genre confines until there was nothing left but rubble and an opportunity to explore a brand-new intersection of ethereal indietronica.

With wavy indie dream pop textures building around the vocal lines that reach out like a melancholic clarion call atop the saturated-in-effects polyphonic keys and interstellar motifs, Stone Cold is firmly rooted in Avant-Garde territory while simultaneously reaching out to listeners with the affecting songwriting and lyrical delivery style of Phoebe Bridgers and Angel Olsen.

The juxtaposition between the playfully warm instrumental layers, which seem to suspend you in the animation of the melodies, and the piercing ache of the harmonies reaches the epitome of haunting. Exploring the heart-wrenching experience of feeling someone withdraw affection and feeling the temperature drop, the single builds a sanctuary for anyone looking to steal back some affection into their soul.

Stone Cold was officially released on January 9th; stream the single on all major platforms, including YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Interview with Elevated Focusion: Channeling Two Decades of Motif Mastery into ‘An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif’

Posted on 12 January 2025

Elevated Focusion has always had a knack for turning personal moments into musical odysseys, and their latest venture proves it once again. In this interview, we step into their world of mesmerising motifs and rediscovered treasures. The backbone of this LP, An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif, dates back to 2001–2004, a time when a Yamaha Motif Classic keyboard was central to the creative spark. Fast-forward two decades, and these tracks find fresh purpose in 2025, offering a glimpse into the old-meets-new synergy that fuels Elevated Focusion’s style. From the subtle jazz infusions to the nostalgic Nintendo echoes, their willingness to experiment breathes new life into these long-lost compositions.

Elevated Focusion, thanks for catching up with us to discuss the launch of your LP, An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif. With the tracks being made in 2001 – 2004, the project has been two decades in the making; what inspired you to release the collection of tracks in 2025? 

The studio I mix my music in has an old Motif. So while mixing my 3rd album, I have been taking all my old music from my memory cards. I already released the album ‘Elevated Focusion’ under the name Jonny Rythmns.  I would say that album was 20 years in the making.  This was probably 5 minutes in the making…lol.

I am an impulsive artist and in the moment it seemed like it could be cool to do something with some of the mixed music from my old memory cards.

All the tracks were brought to life on a Yamaha Motif Classic keyboard; how did the instrument influence the creative process behind these tracks?

I bought this keyboard when I was 19 years old.  With the Motif, I used to play a lot more piano.  A lot of my songs would have piano in some way or another.  Which is funny, because I never use piano at all anymore.  So it really is like two completely different artists.

Do you feel its specific sound shaped the emotional atmosphere of the collection?

I love Jazz and 90s Nintendo music.  At that time, I really wanted to be a jazz artist, but I just didn’t have the technical skills to do it.  I was trying to make jazz, but it just ended up being whatever the hell it was…lol

I only ever had an original Nintendo and it was functional for a long time.  So, I guess subliminally, I always had Nintendo on my mind. So Nintendo “wanna be” Jazz was my thing I guess.

What was the process of professionally mixing these songs like, and how did it transform the original tracks?

I honestly did the bare minimum on these songs except for the last song.  I put a little time into that one because I wanted to see where the engineer could bring it.

I wasn’t planning on releasing these songs.  I just was doing the bare minimum to get them ready for possible use in TV & Film.

I mixed the song that is the final song on the album last week. I really wanted to do something with it.  So, I decided to put together an LP with my favorites of the songs I recently mixed.

Since creating this collection, what do you feel are the most noticeable ways you’ve evolved as a musician and composer?

I definitely feel like technology has made it easier to develop a song and collaborate with other artists.  My music was a lot more introspective back then.  I was just stuck in my own head.  I have a lot more life experience now.  It is a lot easier for me now to step away from my music and try to create from a third-person point of view.

Were there any specific life events or personal moments during 2001–2004 that particularly influenced the themes or emotions of these songs?

There is no doubt about it, that it was a difficult time in my life.  To be honest, I don’t really remember it. Those memory cards are really all I have.

I always want to create an experience with each release.  It sounds crazy, but this release really isn’t personal.  I wanted to create an immersive experience of what memories I took from those old memory cards.

Is there a particular track in this collection that holds the most personal significance to you?

I would definitely say the final track.  It was my attempt to create a symphony just using that keyboard.  I recorded each sound on its own track and filled up the 16 tracks on the keyboard.  It was really difficult to do at the time.

Now with having Logic Pro, all the things that were impossible on the Motif are now extremely easy.  But I am still really proud of that track for what it is.

How do you hope this collection connects with listeners, especially those who might not have experienced your earlier music?

This is an invitation to an intimate moment.  It is almost like sharing memories.  Most of my old music is poorly mixed.  These songs are professionally mixed.  So maybe someone would give this a chance, where they normally couldn’t get into my old music.

What’s next for Elevated Focusion? 

I am working on the mixing for my 3rd album which I hope to release by Fall 2025.  It is a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to sharing it.  Where ‘Dark Nights’ focused on dark themes, this is a lot lighter.

I honestly love doing this.  I am already working on my 4th album.  Each album will always have its own vibe, and I will always try to challenge myself to do something fresh.

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Listen to An Electric Evening with Jonny Rhythms and the Magical Motif on SoundCloud now.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast