Her first album from 2021 is a cult classic – lo and behold, she actually topped it (IMO) with another instant classic. Tellingly, of all the albums on my radar that I saw making Best Music of 2024 lists across the web (aside from Brat, of course) this one seemed to make more, and place higher, than any others. #ambient #jazz
Skee Mask is a cult figure in techno and electronic music for good reason – his sound is completely his own, and he just can’t miss, including his latest, moving through many different styles and tempos as usual.
There’s something about women putting out the best ambient music in the world. This one infused with Indian raga chanting and soaring synthetic soundscapes. Not to mention a 4/4 stomper to close the album out. Heavenly stuff. Her previous album from 2021 also comes highly recommended.
First time I have come across his work. I wasn’t quite sure what to think of this when I first heard it. But it didn’t take long to get fully on board. The intensity and energy of Corol Mimic is one for the ages and should send any dancefloor into a frenzy. The album actually sounds like its title.
Jungle is as alive and well as ever, but it takes something special to stand out. Gum does not simply repeat the tropes of the past, trying to sound like 1994 (which is my main gripe with modern jungle) but adds elements from genres across the board, in a classy and soulful manner.
This is basically jungle/dnb, but it’s also pop. Nia probably wouldn’t be a popular choice amongst die-hard drum & bass heads, but she has been plugging away for years now, chopping breaks and making beats in her bedroom, and deserves the success she has attained. The title track (below) is a gem!
I won’t pretend to know everything that’s happening with hip hop in 2024, but this was a sure standout for me, having grown up with both of their music in the 90s. It channels old school vibes with a modern production gloss, and they both sound as good as ever. Honorable mention to LL Cool J & Qtip’s excellent and (very) long awaited The Force.
I didn’t listen to as much r&b as years past, but this was a clear standout. From the sonically adventurous opening track to the epic single MTV (which has a meager 1,000 YouTube views at the time of writing) there’s a broad range of styles and the entire thing is full of soul.
Mortimer has been making noise (& classic singles) for many years in roots reggae with his iconic voice, and his long awaited debut album did not disappoint, especially the single dedicated to his kid – My Child.
Deeper than deep. This isn’t like house music as you might know it. Often, the kick drum is barely audible, a faint whisper. The ambience is ever present, but the addition of drums and percussion, however faint, evoking a steady heartbeat, is where his music shines brightest IMO.
This mix opened my ears to what production and live performance could be. Pete is a sound design wizard and each song is a journey with the most finely crafted elements. He has a bunch of live mixes on his Soundcloud, but this one is a great starting point.
With two excellent albums this year, the experimental and usually-dance music oriented artist from London is my ambient artist of the year. Although not fully ambient, they are close enough, and fully worth of your time and ears!
Album of the year so far. I kind of had that feeling by the 3rd track (which goes a bit into jungle territory). By the end of the album (and also now at the end of the year) my hunch was correct. A remarkable piece of work.
It’s impressive that she came out with not one but two ambient leaning albums this year. All in addition to her usual left-field club oriented singles. I really appreciate an outsiders take on the genre.
I’ve heard the name plenty before but it was only until now that I had a chance to dive in and understand what makes him special. Piano-driven, melancholic but not, it allows you to get lost in whatever you’re doing – truly transportive stuff. Impressive output a age 64 nonetheless.
Two years since his last ambient EP and well worth the wait. Basically a mini-album clocking in at 8 tracks. Coming from a techno background, his ambient sounds unlike anyone else out there. Released on the excellent Ilian Tape.
Discovered this in the beginning of 2023 and what a find. A bit of jazz, some percussion, and a fresh sound. The custom vinyl coverart is a really cool idea. Always great to discovering an exciting artist with a healthy back catalog.
This Coloradan artist writes ambient music inspired by fantasy novels, in particular the Earthsea series by Ursula K. Le Guin. It definitely feels like you’re reading a novel! Evocative stuff.
The bossman of Seil Records, perpetual Label of the Year. Two years ago I mentioned his music would sound great with some 808s or 909s in the background. Lo and behold you have a few 4/4 backdrops here. I love that this one was “Recorded Straight to 1/4″ tape in single takes.”
Starting the year our right. The laaps label from France is well worth checking out. Two twenty minute tracks of watery, textured, ethereal ambience, washing over you in soothing, repetitive waves from the Finnish artist.
KMRU is always worth a listen, and this was my pick of the albums that he released this year. One great reason that Seil always tops my Label of the Year is that they offer their albums for free during the first month of release.
It’s nice to discover something from my home state of Virginia, written out in the woods nonetheless. I write the majority of my music out in nature so it’s cool to see others doing the same. The building key switch in this track below is sublime, like a big sigh of relief after a stretch of uncertainty.
Despite running a dnb label, I listened to less jungle and dnb than ever before in 2021. There’s simply too many other styles out there (ambient / R&B / house / etc) that excite me. Nonetheless, I do keep my ear to the ground whenever possible, and when something really catches my ear, it’ll end up on this page. So here are my top releases of 2021 within the wide world of jungle and DNB. As it turns out, many of them coming from outside of the scene.
Brogan Bentley • Diapason Rex LP
It can be hit or miss when a traditionally non-drum & bass artist jumps into the genre. In this case it’s a clear hit. The opening track ‘Ecstacy’ (below) reduces the music to its basics with a simple, amen based drum loop, and sends it to soaring heights with his vocals. An instant highlight when I first heard it. The rest of the album, filled with inventive soundscapes and melodics, make it my jungle album of the year. Released on one of my favorite labels, Leaving Records in LA, which has a wide range of creative output.
Nia Archives • Headz Gone West EP
Here’s something extremely fresh: jungle meeting traditional r&b. (Well that’s how I interpreted it at the time. Cool to see she is the new queen of jungle in 2022) You get a lot of pop-oriented vocals in dnb but not necessarily in the r&b style, so this was a breath of fresh air. Clearly a product of the extremely rich soul scene in the UK, she has remixed other r&b songs with Congo Natty in tow. Thankfully, she continues releasing more music in this style and has built up a nice little catalog. Self-released on her Bandcamp from Manchester. PS stay tuned for my r&b meets jungle mix on v-day 2022!
Fanu • Truth & Lies EP
Anything Fanu drops is a must listen. In recent years he has been making strong moves on Metalheadz, a long overdue recognition of his production talents. But his work on local Finnish label Straight Up Breakbeat is equally as impressive. His signature crunchy drums and cold, dirty basslines are present throughout. Highlight: Mental Aerobics
TMSV • Jungle Selections Vol. 1 & 2
This talented Dutch producer has been dropping his ‘Jungle’ series for a few years now, and 2021 brings two vinyl pressings of his favorites from that series. Not strictly a jungle producer, his productions stand out from the pack with their exquisite sound design and steady variations. I would have picked almost an entirely different suite of songs, but everything here is a worth a listen. Lots of ear candy and wild amen rinsing within.
Illuvia • Iridescence of Clouds
Illuvia is a master of ambient and has released more music than any other artist I can think of. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has reached the 100 album mark. Although he doesn’t release much jungle/dnb these days, it appears that he’s saved some of his best work for this album. The ambient textures dominate with ghostly filtered jungle rhythms float by like clouds for a stunning effect. Released on ASIP in LA.
Pink Pantheress • time machine
Along with Nia Archives, part of the new and very welcome jungle meets r&b trend coming out of the UK this year. Except this is a fully formed album, with at least half of it being jungle/drum & bass. Her high pitched voice sounds somewhat childlike but it’s pleasant to listen to. Closed out tactfully with an Adam F cover/remix. Let’s hope this trend continues. It’s a shame she deleted her Bandcamp (she’s blowing up), but you can listen on all other platforms here.
Kid Lib • DAT043
There is something about Kid Lib that sets him apart from the field. I’m not sure but I think it has something to do with his signal processing chain or outboard effects. Everything in his production sounds so clean, bringing to life and clarity all the samples and sounds of old. It’s like hearing original jungle in super HD for the first time ever. Released on Harmony’s Deep Jungle label.
Alix Perez • Atlas 1
Alix does it again. Well he always does it. But this time impressively so on his collaboration with Monty on the highlight of his 1985 label compilation. Possible drum & bass (not jungle) song of the year for me. His Burning Babylon single is also worthy of high praise as a dirty dancefloor highlight of 2021.
Necrotype • Zellandine EP
Am I allowed to list something from my own label here? Because I just did 🙂 Necrotype is one of the most consistent producers in the jungle scene, with a very rich history of releases and a high level of quality control. This release recalls the early days of breakbeat hardcore and trance, showcasing the sound that just preceded – and eventually became – jungle music. The title track will take you to another world; enchanting dance music to lose yourself to in the rave, released on Mettāsonic from Taiwan.
And finally…
Here’s a mix I made that weaves a lot of these songs together.
I hope you enjoy it. And stay tuned for the 2022 mix!
Ambient Music wins the year again. After a 2020 which saw the genre unexpectedly rise to the top of my preferences, 2021 was the same story. The cool thing about ambient music is that you don’t really need to focus on it. You can let it ride in the background and go about your business, coming out all the more relaxed for it. I find that it’s great for working, cooking, computing, driving, whatever! And the deeper down the rabbit hole I go the better it gets.
Before we begin, here’s my own personal 2021 awards 🙂
Album of the Year. A transcendental piece of music. Not limited to the ambient genre, and doesn’t sound like your typical ambient artist. One might event classify this as jazz. It’s truly a special piece of work. And she saved the best song for last, a stunningly beautiful, grounding, celebratory 17-minute piece of music. This stuff is the reason I fell in love with ambient. The Carribean-Belgian musician has crafted a true modern classic. Released on the legendary Warp Records in London. She also released this excellent live recording as well. Finally, here’s a good article/interview with the artist on Pitchfork.
Naliah Hunter & Endel • Sleeping Sea
Need some help falling asleep? This list is finally complete with the addition of this album. I discovered it sometime in early 2022 and it hit the spot. Endel is an AI-generated ambient platform, and this is part of their collaborative series with LA label Leaving Records. This time with the incredible harpist Naliah Hunter of the same city. Typically I wouldn’t put much stock in computer generated music, but it really works, and is the album I’ve come back to the most this year. Her Bandcamp is worth exploring as well.
Ulla • Limitless Frame
Sometimes you know something will be great from the very first note. That one chord, imbued with so much character and texture, sets the tone for a very rich, textured, and consistent album. But there’s variety too. She throws it off kilter with distorted guitars and other lush effects. The album feels “on the edge”…of something. I get the impression it was labored over carefully until it resonated just right, making for a truly transportive piece of music. It’s too bad you can’t purchase the songs individually though. Excellent followup to her excellent album last year. Released on Motion Ward in LA.
Salamanda • Sphere
There’s nothing overly tribal or percussive on this list, but that changes with this album. A lovely, hypnotic, contemplative, enchanting affair that keeps itself in the ambient territory by forgoing the use of snares…at least that’s my own way of classifying ambient music 😉 Salamanda consists of two girls from South Korea who perform live and have released no less than 3 albums and handful of great singles this year (check out their Bandcamp). Count me as their biggest champion! Released on Mėtron Records in the UK.
Elori Sax • The Blue of Distance
Another stunner from a relative unknown girl from NYC…via Spotify Discovery. I know that platform gets a lot of hate, but the algorithm really works. I’ve bought more music through my weekly discovery playlist than anywhere else. There are elements of jazz, classical, drone, and despite moments of tension, the album is permeated by an overwhelming sense of calm. The perfect soundtrack to my latest hot spring excursion. Released on Western Vinyl in Austin, TX.
5 albums deep and they are all women…
Stay tuned for the upcoming “Women of Ambient” mix!
Brin & Josiah Steinbrick • Bliss Place
A product of the incredibly strong and collaborative LA scene. I’m not usually a fan of short songs around the 2 minute mark, but everything here is so good that it’s more than worth the minimal time investment. The album gives itself a chance to breathe with the 17 minute closer ‘blissspaceofficial’, but the off-grid percussive nature of ‘lexus resist’ is hypnotizing and my personal highlight. Two more incredible artists to follow going forward! Check more of Steinbrick’s beautiful catalog on his Bandcamp.
Ki Oni•Stay Indoors And Swim
Elastic underwater loops from LA! The perfect soundtrack to my final (2 hour!) hot spring session of the year. Under a full moon no less. There was something very aquatic about this music, and sure enough see the title. Except I was outdoors in a riverbed. There’s a cornucopia of activity under the surface of this music, and the way it’s all obscured is just perfect. Not usually a fan of long form ambient, but it’s fitting that half of the tracks go over 10 minutes. Released on Sound as Language in LA.
halftribe•Lucent Forms Travelling
First heard the title track opening up his wonderful Deep Breakfast Mix. There is something about a slowly repeated note, with all the right warmth and texture, over and over again, that puts you in a good mental space. The sporadic harp notes really bring it home. Then the title track is one upped by the next song Nighttime Worlds. The entire album is brilliant and I’m excited to follow this artist. Released on Hidden Vibes in Ukraine.
Hilyard •Division Cycle
I’m not usually into dark or drone ambient, but something about this one hit me really deep on first listen. There’s something vaguely mechanical underneath the surface of the raw tones and textures – and it’s completely enveloping. Like someone mentioned on the Bandcamp page: “The division between the so-called good and bad in life is often just a matter of time or perspective…” and this album reflects that duality. Released on Cryo Chamber in Oregon. All of his music is currently Name Your Price on his Bandcamp.
Stijn Hüwels + Tomoyoshi Date A Distant Fire, A Distant Cloud
I won’t go into details but this one pretty much saved my life this summer, haha. Looking and listening back on it, I can see why the circumstances delivered this one to me. If there is any music on this list that could personify the idea of healing, maybe this it it. But it also feels very much on the edge, as if entering a new world, yet extremely tranquilizing at the same time. Like passing from life into death, or maybe the other way around. Released on laaps in France.
Ashan • Sacred Spring
Enchanting stuff. Early in the year I had bookmarked this with the comment “album of the year?” After finally listening again in November, I can get behind that nomination. Usually there are one or two tracks on a release that take me by hold, but in this case it really works as a full album of consistent lush ambient greatness, where it’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. Released on Inner Islands in Oakland.
kafari • Blanket of Black
Some of the best things in life are indeed free. Not exactly ambient, but close enough. The very best of what you might classify as “coffee shop jazz” – but in the best way possible. Culled from an old piano during the pandemic, these songs really hit the spot when I first heard them, and also saved my life last summer 😉 I’m loving the hi pitched string like lead he’s using on most of the songs. Self-released on his Bandcamp from Portland, Maine.
The Lifted Index •Sanctuary
Another hot spring session, but this time I struck gold on the first attempt, and came out of the springs fully renewed and refreshed. There’s enough texture to keep you interested but not overwhelmingly so. Very feel-good stuff, and the standout release on Seil Records so far this year, which itself has already been very consistent. Lest you forget that all Seil releases are free in the short term!
arushi jain • Under the Lilac Sky
How can you deny this? Well you can’t. A beautiful Indian woman with a radical modular rack making “ambient synth ragas intended to be heard during the sunset hours”. It’s beautiful, interesting, complex, adventurous, rich, and more. She reinterprets classical Indian music through a modern electronic framework, resulting in a classic yet futuristic sound book-ended by the Song of the Year. Can’t beat that! Self-released on her Bandcamp.
MLO • Oumuamua
So this is a compilation of unreleased works from this duo, mostly from the 90s, and it makes me realize there is so much more digging to do within this genre. Upon discovery, I probably played this one more times back to back than any other release so far this year. Highlight for me is “Sleeper” (below) which develops from ambient into jungle over the course of 12 minutes! Released on Music from Memory in the Netherlands.
taennya • natural serentiy
Enchanting stuff. Early in the year I had bookmarked this with the comment I was in the local hot spring last night, searching fruitlessly for a good album. Nothing was working until I came across this. Although sounding like warmly enveloping drone ambience at first, you’ll soon realize chord progressions are at play, and beautiful ones at that; ever so subtle, delayed, and stretched. Along with the hotter than usual spring water, it took me to another world. Big ups to this young Russian artist who only has 42 Soundcloud followers at the time of writing! Released on Stereoscenic Records in Cleveland.
Mary Lattimore • Collected Pieces II
Enchanting stuff. Early in the year I had bookmarked this with the comment After her stellar album last year, she’s back with another collection of beautiful tracks. These songs function very effectively as straightforward harp loops that warp every so slightly, washed in delay and reverb. A lot of these songs will be pressed to vinyl on her next album in January, signaling another great start to a new year of ambient music. Self-released on her Bandcamp.
perila • How Much Time is Between You & Me
I wasn’t sure whether to include this one on the list but after a 2nd listen, the answer was a resounding yes. Sometimes music works like that; you need to give it another chance and let it sink in. It straddles the line between being other-wordly and enveloping at the same time. This Berlin-based Russian artist has a ton more self-released stuff on her Bandcamp so dig in.
Sam Prekop • In Away
He’s done it again. My favorite indie rock artist of the past is on an ambient tear. After last years’ epic Comma album, he has returned with an EP of self-released songs from recent studio sessions, that arguably push his (already impressive) modular sound envelope a bit further. Highlight for me is the techno jam ‘Triangle’. Self-released from Chicago on his Bandcamp. Be sure to also check out his beautiful, hyptonizing 25 minute Spelling piece on Australian label Longform Editions.
The KLF • Come Down Dawn
Wow. Driving home from work one night, a song from this album came on my Spotify Discovery (which leans heavily towards ambient these days!) and I was instantly taken aback and dove into the entire album. Come to find, this is a re-issue (slightly re-worked) of a classic album from 1990. And it sounds just as fresh today as what I imagine it might have then.
Iu Takahashi • Late in Life
There’s a very strong KMRU quality in this one. Soft, cloudy, major chord progressions that just float by peacefully and serenely. I’m glad I came back to this at the end of the year because it’s amazing release where I just can’t pick a favorite. Released on Regional Attraction in Portland, Oregon.
Innesti • In Letters
This girl definitely deserves a mention. She released two albums this year for $1 each (and there are many more that came before that). Her style is both universal and unique – I’d describe it as ethereal and breathy, loaded with long reverb tails and space, and ghostly vocals mixed in with subtlety, ending with the stunning title track. The songs alternate between light and dark with plenty of room to breathe. Self-released on her Bandcamp. Might just go and scoop up her entire catalog 🙂 And don’t miss this eerie lead single from an album of hers last year.
Andrea Porcu • Music From a Sinking World
Fans of The Caretaker apply here: soft, stretched, muted & otherworldly sounds of yesteryear. Both haunting and incredibly relaxing all at once. I might also add that his output rate is rather impressive. His label Rohs! has a lot to sift through. Self-released on his Bandcamp from Sardinia, Italy.
City of Dawn • Ambedo
I was working late tonight, shuffling through Soundcloud, Spotify, and Bandcamp. And nothing was doing the trick – until I came across this. No frills string-like atmospheres that put you at ease and/or help you concentrate on whatever task you have at hand. Released on Healing Sound Propagandist in Indiana.
Blanket Swimming & Gallery Six Meet the Rising Sun with Infinite Stillness
I was working late tonight, shuffling through Soundcloud, Spotify, and I was, somewhat frustratingly, having a hard time finding a standout ambient release for the past couple of weeks until this came along. An extremely calming, comforting sound. A lot of birds chirping in the background, occasionally some water moving around, and hey that’s not a bad thing at all. Best song: all of them. Released on Healing Sound Propogandist in Indianapolis.
Brin, Dntel, More Eaze • Futureangelics
A standout release, and not your typical ambience. Somewhat soundtrack-y (in a good way), and full of sounds and textures that will turn your ear. Released on Cached Media in Chicago. Another example of Brin’s incredibly productive year.
Landon Caldwell • Bicycle Day
Two 20 minute tour de forces (pun intended) that never stop evolving and keep you hooked around every corner. “We grew up in a small town riding bikes as children, then eventually eating acid and riding bikes as teenagers. We wanted to capture the sense of wonder where we always dream to return.” Boom! Released on Mock Records in Los Angeles.
Vivian Koch • Beyond Contact
Two 20 minute tour de forces (pun intended) that never stop evolving and keep you hooked around every corner. “We grew up in a small town riding bikes as children, then eventually eating acid and riding bikes as teenagers. We wanted to capture the sense of wonder where we always dream to return.” Boom! Released on Mock Records in Los Angeles.
Yann Novak • Lifeblood of Light and Rapture
Slow building drone ambience with character. Requires some patience but eventually it sets in – and you settle into it. Put this on again when my apartment flooded and I was cleaning up. He had a follow up to this release with 4 remixes later in the year. Good moment to wrap up this list and hit the publish button. Released on Touched Music in the UK.
Sebastiano Carghini • As Long As I Go
Discovered in late 2022, and an instant fav. This Italian artist via the Netherlands brings a lot of textures to the table, almost percussive but not quite. It’s a uniquie production style that reminds me a bit of Skee Mask. Equally as hypnotic and a clear standout. Released on Total Stasis in LA, which seems to be another label well worth following.
I didn’t follow the genre as closely as I did last year, but nonetheless here are some releases which caught my ear in 2021. As usual it was strongly dominated by music coming out of the UK.
When an r&b release is being covered on Resident Advisor you know something interesting is at play. There are moment on Tirzah’s new album when you can hear her clearing her voice – her new album is raw, stripped bare, and mesmerizing in its simple, sparse grooves. Nothing else out there sounds quite like it. But the highlight is her voice, in all it’s textured richness. Possibly album of the year for me. Listen in full on her Bandcamp.
serpentwithfeet • DEACON
AOTY? It’s not every day you see two brothers getting intimate in a music video, but hey it’s 2021 and we’re breaking barriers and all here for it. There’s a lovely, organic, minimal approach to the production underlying this album and it works wonders. The closing track ‘Fellowship’ is a highlight of the year. Be sure to also check out the Same Size Shoe video, another highlight. Listen on Bandcamp or All Platforms.
John Glacier • SHILOH
Instant impact from South London. This is closer to rap or spoken word, but the vibe and aesthetic are close enough to r&b so here it is. The spell is cast from the very first note on the first song, and the album just flies by with short transfixing beats by Vegyn. A highly consistent piece of work from yet another great UK artist.
VanJess • Homegrown
One of the best albums of the year. There’s also a clear contender for song of the year in Slow Down, even without the new Lucky Daye version. Sampling the same horns used by ‘Rump Shaker’ – this is one of the smoothest tracks of the year and captures everything great about the modern r&b sound. There’s great variety too with the D’angelo-like funk of ‘Surrender’ to the Dilla like bass stabs of ‘Roses’ to the 90s sound of ‘Come Over Again’ to modern trap and disco grooves a plenty. Listen on All Platforms.
Fousheé • time machine
If her silky voice doesn’t get you, the smooth and sultry melodies backing them up will. Or the Depeche Mode cover. Or the long and meandering Steve Lacy feature. Or any of the other songs. Or the ever present lead guitar. Yep, a very solid album amongst the best of the year.
Along with Nia Archives, part of the new and very welcome jungle meets r&b trend coming out of the UK this year. Except this is a fully formed album, with at least half of it being jungle/drum & bass. Her high pitched voice sounds somewhat childlike but it’s pleasant to listen to. Closed out tactfully with an Adam F cover/remix. Let’s hope this trend continues. It’s a shame she deleted her Bandcamp (she’s blowing up), but you can listen on all other platforms here.
Tinashe • 333
Tinashe does modern trap r&b as well as anyone – putting her in that same category as Jhene Aiko for me, with a voice to match. The beats are soulful and the melodies and hooks are catchy. It’s pop music with class and depth. In another great trend in r&b music recently, several of her songs have a jungle/dnb sound, including the one below. Long Live the Queen. Listen on All Platforms.
Bathe • Bicoastal
These guys might blow up one day. I like pretty much everything they’ve put out. Hailing from Brooklyn NYC, they have a strong live element to their sound, lush with guitars and plenty of reverb. I’m surprised they aren’t bigger (less than 1k subscriers on YouTube!) as they are good enough to share the spotlight with the likes of Lucky Daye, Leon Bridges, and Daniel Caesar imo. Listen on Bandcamp and be sure to dive into their website where they breakdown each song with text and photos.
H.E.R. • Back of my Mind
What a great debut album from someone who is obviously very big these days. If you like Tinashe then you’ll probably like this. Her remake of Goapele’s ‘Closer’ is classy but the grand opening track ‘We Made It’ is the show stopper for me. The album slows down in the 2nd half and puts the focus on her voice. And she can shred a guitar with the best in country music too. Stream on all platforms.
Lava La Rue • Butterfly EP
There is something in the water in London and I’m not sure what it is – but it certainly produces incredible r&b talent. I came across this by playing Nia Archives radio on Spotify, and glad that I did. This one’s a part of the excellent Butterfly EP here on her Bandcamp. Nia also remixed this song inna jungle style with Congo Natty.
Sinead Harnett • Ready is Always Too Late
Mature r&b for mature listeners! Perfect production paired with a rich voice, accompanied by strong supporting cast, that doesn’t try to be different, and excels in the process. For slow, relaxing evenings at home on the weekend. ‘Stay’ is one of the highlights of the year. Listen on all platforms.
Nia Archives • Heads Gone West EP
So this isn’t strictly R&B. But who said you can’t mix jungle and soul? Nia fuses the classic UK jungle sound with her classic UK style r&b vocals – and the results impressively more than the sum of their parts. Her EP of the same name also made my list of best jungle records of 2021. Along with 4 other great singles this year, she’s my artist of the year within both the r&b and the jungle music scenes. An impressive year!
After 5 years of budding interest – ambient completely took over my listening habits in 2020. Previously I had dabbled in those “6 hours of healing meditation” BS videos on YouTube. But the trick is to go straight to the artists who are making the good stuff.
This music has been a revelation for me. It’ll completely alter your state of being if you embrace it, or just let it wash over you. Bandcamp publishes a monthly “best of” list an that’s a great place to keep tabs on the genre.
Before we begin, here’s my own personal 2020 awards.
Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith • The Mosaic of Transformation
The best piece of music in all of 2020 – in all genres. And my new favorite ambient artist, or musician in general. Angelic layered vocals and stunning, imaginative production. Sounds like nothing else out there. Highly recommend her back catalog as well. She’s the artist I keep coming back to the most over these past few years since discovery in 2020.
Techno lovers will be well-familiar with Bryan Mueller and his incredible work within that genre, which has occasionally strayed into ambient territory. His first fully ambient release (6 stunning tracks in all) is one of the standouts of the year While a lot of ambient has a “sameness” quality to it, the sound SCNTST has sculpted a body of work with a truly unique and otherworldly sound.
If you know The Sea & Cake band then you know Sam Prekop, their vocalist. He’s been experimenting and releasing solo ambient and modular stuff for years, and this is his magnum opus IMO. An endlessly beautiful piece of work. Allowances for the hi-hats & percussion!
Heavenly vocal harmonies backed by soaring strings. Sounds like you’re in an ancient cathedral, hundreds of years in the future. Atmosphere for days, and a truly breathtaking piece of work. Need more of this! Title track is the highlight.
Signature tranquilizing drone ambience from the Nairobian master. If you absolutely need peace of mind right now, this is it. His Peel album from this year also comes highly recommended.
The Polish/Michigan/NYC artist casts a mesmerizing spell with moody loops and spoken word. Gets better with each listen. The techno background and influence is on clear display. Highlight: Life Out Of Balance ft. Shigeto
The lack of Bandcamp support on this one is mind boggling. Perhaps that’s because the artist and label are relative newcomers – but this release is virtually flawless, integrating feel-good string driven melodies, hazy environmental recordings, and percussive elements into a perfect whole.
Much anticipated 2nd release from the NYC artist. Germinated over a span of 5 years and informed by her intersex identity. “Suite pour l’invisible” – and all it’s soaring vocals, is a contender for ambient track of the year in my book!
Harp-driven soundscapes recorded over a span of nine days. The 3rd and final album on this list from Ghostly International, whom I think we can now crown the (ambient) label of the year in 2020. Worth it for the title track alone, and it’s rapturous crescendo.
Robert Carlos Lange • An Explosion Made Me Think Of You
The artist otherwise known as Helado Negro put out two other ambient EPs this year, but it was this one-track release, made with an MPC 2000 XL, that caught my attention the most with it’s lush percussive echos and reverb; a simple yet timeless and effective piece of music.
The first release on the respected Japanese techno producer’s new WIP label (with 4 releases in 2020) was the one that caught my attention the most. A 15 minute meandering arpeggiated number followed by a high pitched drone pice make for a very effective one two punch.
Warm, vaguely melancholic yet comforting analog driven compositions that would be perfectly at home with a backdrop of 808s and 909s, yet make perfect sense without. The great thing about Seil is that their releases are always free for the first month or so. Highlight: Degree of Change.
Pinkcourtesyphone • Leaving Everything To Be Desired
Evoking feelings of a muted, stretched, and softened Caretaker, this project alternates between grand euphoria and darker emotions, with everything in between. First two tracks are the highlight.
Fittingly to the cover artwork, I discovered this while lying in a hot-spring on a riverbed, nestled in the foggy mountains of Taiwan. The sounds of the music and my environment simply melded into one as I soaked the evening away. Also, strong sci-fi vibes as evidenced by the cover.
Sitting here in May 2022 when this popped on my radar and my what a dope project. Straddling the lines between ambient, chill-out beats, and experimental, it’s one of the best pieces I’ve heard in a while. There is an incredibly trippy full length video to accompany the album, and all of the proceeds benefit AFRORACK, giving inner city Chicago youth access to modular synthesis! Be sure to check out his 2022 Innervsm album as well!
Another product of the incredibly fruitful ambient/jazz community in Los Angeles. Since his album in 2021 seems to have disappeared from Bandcamp and streaming, I figured this would be a good addition to the 2020 list. It’s not fully ambient but that’s what makes it really interesting. This guy is completely in his own lane. It’s a great listen and I can’t say there’s a bad song here.
I also recorded a version of this mix for the excellent Vykhod Sihly podcast, but forgot a song and also didn’t have any headphones/monitoring! So I recorded it again 😛
It’s interesting that r&b has become my genre of choice in 2020. I’ve always been into the 90s, but it’s only natural that I came around to the new stuff, as soul in general is the one thing that influences all my taste in music.
My favorite way of keeping tabs on new soul is by following the genre on Bandcamp. There, you tend to get more off-the-radar projects that you otherwise might not hear. Spotify’s Discover Weekly has also been a godsend for finding new music.
The soul tradition solidified in the 60s has carried on to the present, expressing the same spirit through a different palette of sounds. And there are a lot of great things happening in the world of soul, both sonically and conceptually.
Without further adieu, and in no particular order except for #1…
Listening again in June 2022 – this is my r&b album of the year. It’s one of those slow burners that gets better with each listen, despite being great from the start.
SAULT doesn’t sound like your average r&b act. They channel the entire history of soul music, and beyond, into their sound. From 70s soul to funk to African rhythms, psychedelic rock, spoken word, disco and more – it’s a very organic, impressive amalgam of sounds into a cohesive whole.
It’s well suspected that Cleo Sol is part of the act, and indeed it sounds like her. If true that puts her on 3 of the year’s best albums. There’s also the sense that this is a band seriously in tune with one another.
A perfectly fitting soundtrack to the year of Black Lives Matter. They also put out another album in 2020 which is free on Bandcamp, with proceeds going to charitable funds. Favorite Song: Eternal Life
Here’s an immediate standout – this album put me in a trance on first listen. The loose, hazy, heavily looped jazzy beats, not conforming to any typical r&b standard, are the perfect backdrop for her silky smooth voice. There’s a sense you’re listening to an instant classic.
With a strong lo-fi aesthetic, the album has won praise from Erykah Badu, and was recorded over a one-month stretch at her mom’s house. Released on a small indie LA label, it’s hard to imagine this on any major label, and all the better for it’s creative freedoms.
Contemplative, immersive, soothing, and timeless. In fact it reminded me a bit of the Caretaker’s classic “Everywhere at the End of Time”, a transfixing meditation on dementia sound-tracked by old jazz and ballroom loops.
Check out this Bandcamp interview and get to know the new queen of soul.
This album sounds like r&b royalty. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama – Love Moor has crafted an incredibly smooth, sophisticated listen from front to back.
If I were to put one album from this list into the “traditional neo-soul” category, this would be it. Perfectly executed, elegant r&b with no experimental surprises. The fact that she is not on a major label is surprising. The fact that she has only 1,000 fans on her Facebook page, and very little media attention, is a crime. Let’s change that…
Specials shouts to producer, Suaze, who crafted half of the album’s 12 tracks, making for a very consistent body of work. He also produced the entirety of her very impressive 2017 album Simp Girl.
Favorite Song: Art, in all it’s upright bass majesty.
Another solid entry from the underground UK soul community, the debut album from Demae. I’d place this one firmly in the lineage of the neo-soul icons such as Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, while also graced by Dilla’s influence and the modern LA beat scene – reminding me of The Internet and their extended family.
But there is also an unmistakable London grit present on this one. It’s an art project come to life – it’s innovative and there are different sounds and styles around every corner. Coming in at only 8 tracks, another one of the many shorter LPs coming out these days, a very welcome trend in my book. You won’t regret diving into this album. Highlight: Basic Love and Let Go.
In line with my strong expectations from the UK is South London’s Ojerime and the follow up to her excellent 4U (recommended) project of 2018. Coming on the heels of a mental breakdown, this album appears to be a breakthrough for the artist.
Ojerime grew up listening to SWV and Aaliyah, and it shows – but don’t expect a 90s throwback album (except for the intoxicating ‘Give It Up To Me’ and of course the SWV tribute). Smooth modern trap production is the backbone here, and it is well executed. There’s even an acapella and a somewhat dancehall number in ‘Whiskey Demo’.
Pick of the album for me is the lead single Empty which has a lovely music video (below). For more on this amazing artist, dive into her recent interview with Clash, or features on Gal-Dem, RNBrit, or Vice.
I fully expect half of this list to come from the UK by the end of the year, and here is our first entry so far.
Cleo Sol is a London artist who almost didn’t release this album. It’s a very soft, organic, jazzy affair with plenty of acoustic instrumentation, and the occasional injection of funk. It references both classic soul and 90s neo-soul, but you won’t find the trap heavy drums that dominate most other releases on this list.
Cut of the album for me would have to be ‘Sideways’, a slow burning affair that showcases her incredible, angelic vocal chops. If you’re in the mood for a relaxing Sunday-afternoon kind of r&b album, this is for you.
How’s that for an album cover? Diana Gordon is looking hot as ever at 34 years old. I digress…
At only 8 tracks long, it’s being touted as an EP but I’ll throw it in the LP category, as I feel 8 songs makes an full album (and often did in the 60s/70s) Initially this was just an honorable mention, but after a few more listens, I’m ready to put it in the Top 10. There’s just something so fresh about it.
It’s a very enjoyable project with plenty of attitude that alternates between modern trap sounds and acoustic ballads. Highlight for me would be the anthemic Rollin’ & Sad Boys.
If you’ve been following the retro soul movement then you know that Big Crown Records has been leading the charge. You’d also know of Durand Jones & the Indications, who this group reminded me of immediately (Aaron Frazer’s vocals, in particular). And that’s a good thing!
Not exactly the soul of yesteryear, it’s nonetheless a very stripped down, yet full sound that takes the classic formula and melds it with perfect, catchy songwriting for 12 tracks. There’s space for each instrument to breathe. Throw in a nice falsetto and you have a modern retro classic.
Spearheaded by Homer Steinweiss, a soul/funk drummer with plenty of industry chops and experience, this Brooklyn trio coins their music as Folk Soul, and they knocked this debut album out of the park.
If you need a good introduction to this modern retro movement, this is a good place to start! But be sure to follow up with Lady Wray, Durand Jones, Leon Bridges, Bobby Oroza, etc.
When the year was coming to an end and I needed an album to close out this list – this gem by Victoria Monét jumped onto my radar and was the obvious final choice.
Known as a songwriter for Ariana Grande, the LA based artist makes a strong statement with her debut album. I remember hearing the opening single ‘Moment’ for the first time and really being taken aback.
She waves modern production with classic r&b, funk, disco, and her sultry vocals. She also followed up the album with a Christmas version of orchestral remixes.
On a side note she is also one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Too bad she’s taken and flaunts it all over this video below. Favorite track: Touch Me
This album made me expand this list a “Top 10” to a “Best of…” Simply too many good albums to list in 2020.
Channeling the lo-fi soul sound of The Internet, Orion Sun made an immediate impression on first listen. The music comes across as effortless, playful, and dialed.
The Pitchfork Review didn’t do justice to this refreshing breath of fresh air from the Philly singer.
I’m going with a relatively safe/popular choice for my first pick of 2020, and also the one I’ve listened to the most so far.
I first turned into the LA native while working as resident DJ at Hard Rock in 2017, when I had to expand my r&b palette beyond the 90s. She makes very pleasant, melodic, modern trap-based r&b, and this album is no different. She recorded the project from a series of freestyle sessions on the Big Island in Hawaii.
As Jhene is in full on hippie-mode lately, she incorporated crystal sound bowls into the entire album, with the intention of opening and balancing your chakras… something like that, haha. I must admit, the album leaves me feeling great after every listen.
Highlight for me would have to be the lead single, P*$$Y Fairy (OTW), which has a pretty cool video that comes straight from Aaliyah’s playbook.
Let’s round out out this list with a refreshing holiday EP. After a rough year for many this was a great way to cap off the year with some warm fuzzy holiday vibes.
She starts out with modern trap styles which bring some spice to your typical x-mas songs.
But the real show stopper is when she slows down in the 2nd half to let her 5-star voice shine over some Christmas classics.
Definitely will remain in my xmas playlist for years to come!
